The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough free agency, with key players walking left and right due to limited cap space. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton will be playing with new teams in 2020. It looked like Vince Williams would be doing the same, as he was released by Pittsburgh earlier in the off-season. However, to the delight of Steelers fans, Williams has re-signed with the team, according to Jeremy Fowler.
The Steelers are re-signing linebacker Vince Williams, per sources. He had other offers but wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 14, 2021
Vince Williams Signs New Deal with Pittsburgh Steelers
Williams was a cap casualty earlier in the off-season due to a large cap hit that wasn’t warranted given his limitations. Despite those limitations, Williams is a great player to have back on a team-friendly deal. He has developed into a fan favorite during his eight seasons in Pittsburgh and has also become one of the most respected players in the locker room. Details have not yet been released on the contract, but given Pittsburgh’s cap constraints, the deal will likely be for the veteran minimum or close to it.
In 2021, Vince Williams won’t be a starter like he was in 2020. With Devin Bush returning from his ACL injury and the development of Robert Spillane, the Steelers starters at inside linebacker are set. Williams will still see the field plenty, though, especially in situations where Pittsburgh is looking to stop the run. During his career, Williams has always done his best work when he can get downhill and meet ball carriers in the hole. He might get some snaps on special teams, too, where he was very successful early in his career.
Overall, Steelers fans and teammates alike will be very happy that Vince Williams will be in the black and gold in 2021. He brings a lot of good characteristics to the team, both on and off the field.
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