Surprise as Steelers Release LB Genard Avery

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Patrick Maina

The Steelers have begun trimming their roster, and so far the biggest surprise in the Steelers' cuts is the release of Genard Avery. Genard was signed at the start of the offseason and brought four years of experience.

Genard Avery’s Career Journey

Genard started his career by being drafted by the Cleveland Browns on May 13th, 2018, in the fifth round. He agreed to a rookie contract worth slightly less than $2.7 million. Genard recorded one strip sack and four total tackles in his NFL debut. 

After playing in every game, he finished his rookie season with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

In his second season, he fell out of favor with Steve Wilks' new defensive scheme. Genard was only active in two games and played only five snaps through the first seven games of the season.

On October 28th, 2019, Genard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL season draft.

In his debut game in Philadelphia, Genard recorded two tackles and half a sack during the 22-14 win over the Chicago Bears. Genard remained active for the last seven games but didn't record good statistics for the rest of the season.

In week 4 of the 2020 season, Genard recorded five QB hits and a sack during the 25-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers. In October of the same year, Genard was placed on injured reserve but returned to the active roster on November 30th and finished the season with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

In the 2021 season, Genard was given the privilege of starting outside linebacker. In a game against the Carolina Panthers, Genard recorded eight tackles in a 21-18 win. This was the most tackles Genard had ever recorded in a single game. In January 2022, Genard was placed on the COVID list but was activated a week later. Genard finished the season with 43 tackles and one sack while playing in 16 games, starting in 12.

On March 28th, 2022, Genard signed a one-year contract with the Steelers, but on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022, Genard was released by the Steelers.

Many fans believe the Steelers could have kept Genard on the roster until the final round of cuts and then decided what to do with him. For the Steelers, releasing Genard at this time was a courtesy so he could sign with another team. 

There are numerous theories as to why the Steelers released Genard, but all we can do is wait and see what Mike Tomlin has in store for us. Stay tuned.