WATCH: Jets sign linebacker Albert McClellan after season-ending injury to Avery Williamson
The Jets announced on Saturday the signing of Albert McClellan to help fill the void after placing inside linebacker Avery Williamson (torn ACL) on injured reserve.
The 33-year-old linebacker signed with the Ravens in 2010 after going undrafted and remained with them until last season, when he was released on Oct. 30 and acquired by the Patriots.
McClellan has spent the majority of his career as a reserve and special teams player, winning Super Bowls with the Ravens (XLVII) and Patriots (LIII).
McClellan recovered a muffed punt in the Patriots' playoff victory vs. the Chargers. In 103 regular seasons and 24 starts, McClellan has recorded 153 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
McClellan returned last season after suffering a torn ACL that resulted in him missing the entire 2017 season.
Williamson started in Thursday's preseason game at the Falcons and tallied four tackles and a sack prior to sustaining the injury with under four minutes to go in the second quarter. On the play, Williamson and cornerback Tevaughn Campbell collided in the end zone when Campbell dived to try to bat down a pass from Matt Ryan.
Williamson has played in all 16 games for the last three seasons and has never missed more than one game in a season during his five-year career. In 2018, which was his first season with the Jets, Williamson amassed 120 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Williamson is in the second year of a three-year, $22 million deal with the Jets.
McClellan will compete with Neville Hewitt and Blake Cashman for playing time in the wake of Williamson's absence. While it remains to be seen who'll get the nod, what's for certain is whoever emerges will have to bring their A-game to replace the the run-stuffing linebacker.
