Former All-Pro Davante Adams won’t be joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the door may now be open for former top 10 draft pick Mike Williams to make his way to the team.
FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the New York Jets plan to put Williams on the trade block following their acquisition of Adams on October 15. Shortly after, Noah Strackbein of SI on Steelers linked Williams to the Steelers.
“The Jets’ asking price will be a factor, but with Williams on a one-year deal and just over $2.7 million remaining in cap hit, he doesn’t carry much long-term commitment,” Strackbein noted. “For a team needing a receiver to complement George Pickens and support both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Williams could be a name to watch as Pittsburgh looks to add depth ahead of the November 5 deadline.”
Williams, drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, has recorded 10 receptions for 145 yards this season. He signed a one-year contract with the Jets this past offseason.
Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Williams has averaged an impressive 15.5 yards per catch.
Steelers’ Past Interest in Mike Williams
Following the trade of Diontae Johnson on March 12, the Steelers had plans to meet with Williams. The veteran receiver had been released by the Chargers after playing just three games in 2023.
However, before his scheduled visit with the Steelers, Williams signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jets.
Steelers Lose 23-Year-Old Prospect Weeks After Re-Signing Him
After missing out on Williams, the Steelers turned to more affordable wideout options, signing Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins. So far, Jefferson and Miller have combined for 10 receptions through six games, while Watkins remains on Pittsburgh’s practice squad.
Williams has not made a big impact with the Jets, which partially explains the team’s acquisition of Adams for a conditional third-round pick. Williams now appears to be the Jets’ No. 4 receiver, behind Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Allen Lazard.
Why the Steelers Might Still Pursue Williams
Assuming the Steelers aren’t holding a grudge over Williams signing with the Jets before visiting Pittsburgh, they should consider pursuing the former top 10 pick.
Much like Williams, the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver, Calvin Austin, has also caught just 10 passes on 17 targets this season. Outside of George Pickens, no Pittsburgh receiver has surpassed 170 receiving yards.
While Williams’ stats this year aren’t stellar, his potential remains high. In his last healthy season with the Chargers, Williams recorded 63 catches for 895 yards and four touchdowns, maintaining an average of at least 13 yards per reception every season since his rookie year.
The Steelers’ secondary receivers, including Austin and Jefferson, haven’t achieved anywhere near Williams’ level of success in the NFL.
A trade for Williams could provide Pittsburgh with another big-play threat. Pickens led the league in yards per catch last season, and pairing him with Williams could create a dynamic duo.
It’s possible that Williams’ struggles in New York are due to a decline, especially after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. But given the Steelers’ current lack of receiving production, they might need to take a chance on Williams to improve. The risk is minimal, considering Williams’ short-term deal.
No matter who plays quarterback for the Steelers going forward, adding a veteran wideout like Williams could be crucial to their hopes of becoming serious contenders in the AFC.
