Inside linebacker Vince Williams has re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a one-year deal, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Steelers released Williams in March in one of their actions to get below the salary cap. He then told Fowler that he had a lot of football left and was eager to provide veteran leadership and play for a team that needs it.
He started with 14 games last season and finished with 70 tackles and three sacks. His usage increased significantly after Mark Barron’s departure last season, playing 65% of defensive snaps, up from 37% the year before.
Williams, 31, was a full-time starter for the Steelers in three of the past four seasons.
A sixth-round draft pick from Pittsburgh in 2013, he played in 121 games, with 69 starts, and has two interceptions (including a pick-six), 20.5 sacks, and 333 solo tackles in eight seasons with the franchise.
Williams has indicated that he will think about his retirement after this season and has considered coaching.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.