When the New York Jets entered the 2024 season, they desired to emerge as contenders. But at 3-6, they have dug a hole that might be too late to escape. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shocked fans with a 6-2 start and sit in first place in the AFC North. With the playoffs in sight, the Steelers agreed to a trade acquiring Mike Williams from the Jets. The Jets trade Mike Williams just halfway through his one-year contract. New York receives a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Jets trading WR Mike Williams to Steelers for 2025 fifth-round pick, per @RapSheet + @TomPelisserohttps://t.co/a2w3FSYY90 pic.twitter.com/nfevRFMOcm
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 5, 2024
Breaking: Steelers Acquiring Jets Wide Receiver
The New York Jets season hasn’t gone as planned. A team with Super Bowl aspirations has more headlines off the field than winning football on it. Aaron Rodgers played better recently, but not enough to overcome their offensive line issues. The firing of Robert Saleh seems to have left a hole in the defense, and they hope Haason Reddick can patch it up. After acquiring Davante Adams to rekindle his chemistry with Aaron, the Jets wide receiver room had an odd man out.
Mike Williams was signed to a one-year contract back in March. New York hoped Williams could showcase the talented 50/50 ball receiver that wowed fans of the Chargers from 2017 to last year. However, the veteran coming off a torn ACL hasn’t been able to find chemistry with Rodgers this year. While Williams was blamed, Aaron Rodgers underthrew two game-ending interceptions last month when he targeted the wide receiver. Williams now heads to Pittsburgh where he can join George Pickens and Calvin Austin on their offense led by Russell Wilson.
What does this mean for the Jets wide receivers?
Now that Mike Williams is off the roster, the Jets wide receiver room will be interesting. Unfortunately, Allen Lazard was placed on injured reserve. He’s ineligible to return before their Week 13 matchup vs the Seattle Seahawks. With Lazard out, expect Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson to lead in targets. The result of Williams being traded bodes well for rookie Malachi Corley. Despite his fumble vs Houston on Halloween, Corley’s speed is a valuable tool that remains unutilized. Offensive coordinator Todd Downing needs to utilize him in the run game more to help make both Breece Hall and Braelon Allen’s lives easier.
Main Photo: [Charles LeClaire] – USA Today Sports
