Entrenched in the summer swelt of August, NFL fans rejoice that training camp is underway. Fans are eager to see football return this fall. The excitement a new season offers gives way to hope for success this year. After another season of quarterback woes and injuries, the New York Jets have on paper one of their strongest rosters of the millennium.
Their defense remains their bread and butter, the offense is guaranteed to produce this year with Aaron Rodgers healthy. Along with Aaron, the team has enjoyed a strong offseason from general manager Joe Douglas. Additions to the offensive line bring depth and talent. But the wide receiver room got a facelift as well. The Jets made a major addition by signing former Charger Mike Williams. Despite suffering a torn ACL, Williams has finally been activated off the physically unable-to-perform list. Great news for Robert Saleh.
Jets Get Great News in the Latest Mike Williams Update
Entering his eighth season in the NFL, Mike Williams is looking to start a new chapter in New York. The veteran receiver was beloved by Chargers fans while being paired with Keenan Allen. Unfortunately, injuries have been a problem for Williams. Despite his large frame at 6’4″ and 218 lbs, Williams has suffered a multitude of injuries over his career. But when he’s on the field, he opens up offenses with his ability to stretch the field and aid the deep passing game. He has great size to make moves on contested throws in the endzone. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a massive weapon for Aaron Rodgers to use when Garrett Wilson is doubled.
Important news for the #Jets: WR Mike Williams has been activated off of the PUP list, a big step as he recovers from a torn ACL.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 7, 2024
Mike Williams before New York
Mike Williams was a highly touted four-star recruit out of South Carolina. The Holy Hill native stayed home, committing to play for the Clemson Tigers in 2012. Williams would garner national attention after a great sophomore season with 1,030 yards on 57 catches and six touchdowns. However, he had to wait til 2016 to elevate his game after fracturing a bone in his neck on a touchdown catch in the season opener in 2015. Fortunately, 2016 allowed him as Deshaun Watson’s main target to help Clemson win the National Championship against Alabama. Williams had 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns on 98 catches. Williams usurped that into becoming the 7th overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mike Williams 😤🥲 #Jets pic.twitter.com/W3QgGrYQDH
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 7, 2024
Injuries forced him to miss time during his rookie year but rebounded in 2018. Despite playing with an aging Philip Rivers, Williams stood out with 664 yards and ten touchdowns on 43 catches. This allowed him to be entrenched as a starter full-time. Especially as his health improved. From 2019 to 2021, Williams played in at least 15 games. He managed to record two 1,000-yard+ seasons while the team transitioned from Philip Rivers to Justin Herbert. Tragedy would strike in 2022, as the Chargers lost Mike Williams to a back fracture with minutes remaining in the regular season. The injury forced Williams to miss the Chargers first playoff game in four years in a wild-card loss to Jacksonville. Add in the torn ACL in 2023, the Chargers opted to rebuild their wide receiver room for new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Why Mike Williams will help in New York
It’s no secret the Jets offense has struggled since 2019. Between meandering quarterback play and scores of injuries across the offensive line, the team has lacked consistency. Fortunately, the past two off-seasons have allowed some major additions. The quarterback duo of Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor gives New York stability in two veteran starters with playoff experience. With a young wide receiver creating a legacy for himself, he will be limited if not paired with a big-bodied wide receiver. That’s where Williams comes in. The Jets can open up their offense with Williams’ ability as a deep route runner. The attention Williams will draw from safeties will also allow Garrett Wilson more opportunities for underneath routes.
If Aaron Rodgers gets a HEALTHY Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets will win the AFC East. pic.twitter.com/81pJ0EUk8d
— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) March 21, 2024
In addition, Mike Williams will make up for the lack of production from Allen Lazard. Lazard had a rough first season in New York. Looking to bounce back, Lazard can focus on getting his blocking up to form as he gains confidence while Williams and Rodgers are out there. Equally as important, Tyrod Taylor and Mike Williams are familiar with each other as well. Taylor was the Chargers backup quarterback in 2020. If anything happens to Rodgers, giving Tyrod Taylor a playmaker he’s familiar with is a massive benefit should anything happen to Aaron Rodgers this season. Mike Williams is ready to contribute this year and rewrite his story.
Main Photo: [ Jayne Kamin-Oncea] – USA Today Sports
