Insider Vince Williams has re-signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told Jeremy Fowler, ESPN.
The Steelers released Williams in March in one of their efforts to get below the salary cap. He then told Fowler that he has a lot of football left and is eager to give veteran leadership and play for a team that needs it.
He started 14 games last season and finished with 70 tackles and three sacks. His use increased significantly last season after the departure of Mark Barron, with 65% of defensive grips, up from 37% the previous year.
Williams, 31, has been a full-time starter for the Steelers in three of the past four seasons.
He was a sixth-round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 2013, appearing in 121 games, with 69 starts, and has two interceptions (including a pick-six), 20.5 bags and 333 solo tackles in eight seasons with the franchise.
Williams has indicated that he will retire after this season and is considering coaching.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.