The Pittsburgh Steelers made a couple of key pickups in NFL free agency on Thursday, moving to add some depth to the defense for the 2022 season. According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers are set to sign linebacker Genard Avery and veteran safety Karl Joseph, both on one-year deals.

Avery spent the 2021 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he featured in 16 games, starting 12. He recorded 43 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 QB hits. Prior to his stint in Philly, Avery had spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in the 5th round back in 2018.

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The former Memphis Tiger has featured in 53 games throughout his career, recording 60 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He’ll look to compete for an opportunity to serve as a starter in Pittsburgh’s defense this season, but will likely serve as a depth piece behind Myles Jack and Devin Bush. It’s worth noting, Avery has played on both inside and outside linebacker positions, so he could aim to usurp Alex Highsmith’s role on the right side.

As for Joseph, the veteran safety was with the Steelers last season, though he spent most of the year on the practice squad. He featured in 2 games for the Steelers in 2021, recording 2 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Before joining the Steelers last season, Joseph had spent four seasons with the Raiders and one with the Browns.

Throughout his career, Joseph has featured in 65 games, starting 49. He has 305 tackles, 5 interceptions, 20 pass defenses, 3.0 sacks, and 5 fumble recoveries. Joseph was the No. 14 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.