The New York Jets acquired wide receiver Davante Adams earlier in the week in a move that will almost certainly lead to a Mike Williams trade. Signed to a one-year, $10 million deal as he worked his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, the former Charger couldn’t establish himself as a trusted piece in Aaron Rodgers’ offense. Through six games, the former first-round pick recorded just 10 receptions for 145 yards. During Week 6’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers blamed him for running the wrong route on the game-ending interception.
With Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Allen Lazard firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, the Jets will shop Mike Williams and see if any team is interested in a trade. While he won’t fetch the same return as guys like Adams and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper, Dianna Russini reports that the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers have reached out to the Jets about Williams.
The Chargers, Steelers and Saints are among a number of teams reaching out to the Jets about WR Mike Williams, per sources. pic.twitter.com/2CVLwH8375
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 17, 2024
3 Teams “Reaching Out” To Jets About Potential Mike Williams Trade
It’s worth pointing out that this report emerged before the Saints humiliating Thursday Night Football loss to the Denver Broncos. Now 2-5 and adding Paulson Adebo to a seemingly endless list of injuries, it might be time for the Saints to accept that this isn’t their year. While they came out of the gate hot, a combination of injuries and bad luck has effectively ended their season. At this point, it would make more sense for the Saints to trade Marson Lattimore or Alvin Kamara to contenders instead of bringing in Mike Williams in what is likely a lost season.
The Chargers, meanwhile, have every reason to reunite with their former draft pick. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with a powerful run game, but he still needs wide receivers. While he couldn’t justify keeping Mike Williams on his bloated contract, the team could easily trade for him now that he has a more reasonable salary. Youngsters Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston had their moments early on, but quarterback Justin Herbert could use a proven set of hands in this offense. Now 3-2 in a competitive AFC West, it’s time for Los Angeles to load up for a playoff run.
Steelers Receiver Woes
At 4-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 7 tied with the high-flying Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North. Quarterback Justin Fields did a remarkable job keeping the team afloat, but now Russell Wilson will take over under center in a controversial move. Wilson used to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but the present-day version of the passer lacks the same arm strength and overall mobility. He needs more than just George Pickens if he’s going to reach his potential, and a Mike Williams trade could bring out the best in the veteran.
Even at his best, Wilson wasn’t the best at throwing to the middle of the field and taking what the defense gave him. He excelled at extending plays and finding big-bodied receivers on the sidelines for massive gains. Mike Williams excels in that role, as the 6′-4″, 218-pound trade target spent his entire career winning in contested situations. Wilson’s deep ball is still one of the better ones in the game, and pairing him with Williams and George Pickens could lead to his best season in years.
Main Photo: Shaun Brooks – USA Today Sports
