Steelers release veteran linebacker Vince Williams

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their first roster cut as a cap casualty of the 2021 offseason. Veteran linebacker Vince Williams has been released per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

On Monday, Vince Williams shared a cryptic tweet which caused many to believe his release was imminent.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft, Williams was thrust into the starting lineup early on as a rookie due to the injury of Larry Foote. Starting 11 games as a rookie, Williams did not see double-digit starts until 2017 when he started all 16 games.

During his eight years in Pittsburgh, Williams appeared in 121 regular season games while starting 69. Williams also played in eight postseason games with two starts. Williams ended his Steelers career with 20.5 sacks and 479 tackles to go with five passes defensed, two interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, six fumble recovery, 45 quarterback hits, and 50 tackles for loss.

Williams contract will carry just over $3 million in dead money but will give $4 million in salary cap space.

Exactly what the Steelers plan to do at inside linebacker for 2021 remains to be seen. Devin Bush is set to return after missing the majority of the 2020 season due to injury. Additionally, Robert Spillane, Ulysees Gilbert III, and Marcus Allen are all under contract and available options at the inside linebacker position.

On behalf of BTSC, I’d like to wish Vince Williams the best as he continues to pursue his NFL career beyond the Steel City, and to thank him for giving his all for the eight seasons he was a part of the Steelers.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for breaking news, player updates, contract status, and all things Pittsburgh Steelers.