The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to look desperate for help at wide receiver. This urgency stemmed from their decision to trade away star wide receiver Diontae Johnson during the 2024 offseason. While this move improved their secondary, it significantly weakened their receiving corps. George Pickens stands out as the only bona fide star in that room, leaving the team vulnerable, as opposing defenses can easily focus their attention on him.
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Steelers' George Pickens makes a catch over Joey Porter Jr. at training camp.
Behind Pickens, the Steelers have a collection of average wide receivers who have yet to step up as a true No. 2 option. This has driven the team to aggressively seek out a talented receiver to complement Pickens. They came close to finalizing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers but ultimately could not get it done.
When Davante Adams requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers made an aggressive offer, but the New York Jets ultimately secured him. Now, with Adams on the Jets, there are rumblings that they might consider moving on from Mike Williams, who joined the team in the 2024 offseason. The Steelers have reportedly reached out to the Jets about acquiring Williams, but a closer look at his stats raises doubts about his viability as a solution.
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Mike Williams (#18) of the New York Jets in action against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has an alarmingly low average of just 1.6 yards after catch per reception. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers posted a meager passer rating of 47.1 when targeting Williams, raising concerns, especially since Rodgers performed better when throwing to other Jets receivers. This is troubling given that Williams was in a more favorable offensive situation with the Jets, surrounded by more weapons designed to alleviate pressure, yet he still struggled to make it easy for Rodgers to connect with him.
Drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams entered the NFL with lofty expectations. Over his seven seasons with the Chargers, he put up respectable numbers despite battling numerous injuries. His injury history is a significant concern, as he has missed considerable playing time throughout his career.
During his tenure with the Chargers, Williams started 62 games, recording 309 receptions for 4,806 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. However, in his six games with the Jets, he has not looked like the impactful receiver he was hoped to be, managing only 10 receptions for 145 yards and failing to score.
Steelers Trading For Jets' Mike Williams Doesn't Solve Much, But It Would Likely Help
The statistics revealed by PFF raise legitimate concerns about Williams. If the Steelers were to trade for him without giving up too much, it might be worth a shot. He would likely have more opportunities in the Steelers' offense, given the lack of talent in their wide receiver room.
Bill Kostroun / New York Post
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams jogs during a practice.
However, if Williams struggled to get open and make things easier for Rodgers, it’s fair to question whether he would perform any better in Pittsburgh. The primary benefit Williams could offer the Steelers would be to create space for Pickens. As a boom-or-bust downfield receiver, Williams could draw some attention away from Pickens, potentially making it easier for him to find openings in opposing defenses.
Nonetheless, the Steelers do need help at wide receiver. While Williams wouldn’t be considered a game-changing addition like Adams or Aiyuk would have been, he could still represent a modest upgrade. That said, his statistics are troubling. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers make an offer to the Jets for Williams, especially since they have reportedly expressed interest. With their need for receiving help, Williams might be their best option at this point.
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