The New York Jets’ blockbuster trade for wide receiver Davante Adams on October 15 has potentially opened the door for the Kansas City Chiefs to target another receiver—Mike Williams, who may soon be on the trade block.
“After acquiring Davante Adams, the Jets plan to make WR Mike Williams available for trade,” FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Williams signed a one-year deal this offseason, but the Jets’ receiving corps is now too crowded.”
With Garrett Wilson and Adams solidified as the top receivers for the Jets, and Allen Lazard continuing to be one of Aaron Rodgers’ primary targets, Williams may find himself without much playing time. He is beginning to return to form after tearing his ACL in 2023.
Williams’ contract with the Jets is a one-year deal carrying a $2.7 million cap hit for the 2024 season, according to Over The Cap.
Mike Williams’ Background
Chiefs fans will likely remember Williams, 30, from his seven-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers drafted him in the first round (seventh overall) in 2017. Over his career in Los Angeles, Williams recorded 309 receptions, 4,806 yards, and 31 touchdowns, averaging 15.6 yards per catch, per Pro Football Reference.
Despite his clear talent—standing at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds—Williams has struggled with injuries. Over the last two seasons, he has missed 18 games and has been sidelined for 26 games total during his NFL career.
While it’s unclear exactly how injuries have impacted his explosiveness without further film review, Williams is averaging just 2.1 yards of separation this season, his lowest since 2020, according to Next Gen Stats.
Should the Chiefs Consider Trading for Mike Williams?
With Davante Adams and veteran receiver Amari Cooper no longer available for trade, Williams could be a viable option for the Chiefs, who have $4.2 million in cap space.
Though Williams may be past his prime, his profile as a big-bodied X-receiver could fill a void in Kansas City’s offense. While he may not dramatically improve the Chiefs’ passing attack, Williams could still provide occasional big plays for a wide receiver group battling injuries.
Fans on X discussed the potential for the Chiefs to make a move for Williams.
“Amari was cheap too, only cost a third [round pick]. Watch us pick up Mike Williams now after he cost [the Jets] the game last night by falling down and dropping passes,” one fan wrote.
Another fan noted, “I don’t want Williams, but we need to stop saying we already have him on the roster. [Justyn] Ross isn’t even close to Williams in terms of talent.”
“I expect the #Jets to trade WR Mike Williams this week,” a user added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up with the #Chiefs, as long as the Jets pay part of his contract. His agent has connections, so KC could be in play!”
