Genard Avery isn’t returning to the Eagles

Stop, don’t, come back.

By Brandon Lee Gowton@BrandonGowton Mar 29, 2022, 5:55am EDT

Genard Avery will not be returning to Philadelphia in 2022. The free agent defender is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a report from Adam Caplan.

Avery previously drew interest from the Atlanta Falcons, where he visited last week. Here’s what we wrote at the time:

Avery was never viewed as especially likely to re-sign with Philly. It’s hardly like he was a standout as the Eagles’ SAM linebacker last season. Avery had one of the worst missed tackle rates among players at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.

Avery also became more expendable with the Eagles signing Haason Reddick, who figures to take some SAM linebacker snaps. Philly still has 2021 draft pick Patrick Johnson on the roster as well.

The Eagles originally acquired Avery during the 2019 season by making a questionable decision to trade a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft for him. He failed to see the field much as a 4-3 defensive end before converting to his off-ball linebacker role last year.

Avery’s return was made even less likely with the Eagles retaining Derek Barnett, another pass rusher.

We’ll see if anything becomes of him in Pittsburgh. His ceiling seems to be capped as a role player.

For those wondering about the Eagles’ compensatory pick formula, no terms have been announced for Avery’s deal. It’s likely a minimum(ish) contract that won’t qualify. The Eagles aren’t in a spot where it looks like they’ll get comp picks for the 2023 NFL Draft, as indicated by Over The Cap.