Ian Rapoport Hints Steelers May Do Some In-Game Scouting To Seize Jets' Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still looking for a capable receiver to build up their core. Roman Wilson's progression has been delayed by another injury, and who knows when he will be on the field next? With a majority of pass-catchers underachieving throughout the 2024 season, it's obvious that Omar Khan and his staff need to find a wide receiver that can start and contribute now. After missing out on the likes of Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams, the trade options are very thin. They have to act quickly before a team like the Kansas City Chiefs snags someone up. 

After trading for Adams, the New York Jets have made it clear that Mike Williams is officially on the trading block. It has been announced that he will most likely play in their Week 7 contest against the Steelers, but Ian Rapoport thinks that he could be auditioning to switch benches before November 5th. 

In his latest trade deadline article, Rapoport also mentions the Los Angeles Chargers as a team that may want him. For either them or the Steelers, it seems like trading for Williams won't be too tall of a task.

"Meanwhile, Adams' trade to the Jets also left Mike Williams, the big-play wideout New York signed this offseason, as a potential trade chip. Several teams have been calling about him, including the Steelers and his old team the Chargers, sources say. Pittsburgh has been in the market for a big-time receiver since [they] attempted to trade for Brandon Aiyuk before he re-signed with the 49ers. The team will get a close look at Williams when the Jets face the Steelers on Sunday. It appears his days with the Jets could be numbered. A Williams trade also would be relatively simple, with the Jets paying most of his salary upfront."

Even though Khan is a master of manipulating the salary cap, it's still nice to see that money won't be an issue in this scenario. The Steelers have struggled to get bargain deals for receivers in free agency, however. Williams only has 10 receptions for 145 yards throughout the first six weeks for the Jets. Is it worth it to give up assets to make the deal? 

Steelers Have Lots Of Leverage

With how open the Jets are about wanting to move on from their free agent receiver, they won't be able to sell him for a lot. His overall lack of production does not help matters either. He and Aaron Rodgers have not meshed together in East Rutherford, which is why the Jets traded for his friend and former teammate in the first place.

Williams' contract is only a one-year deal, so that drops his price tag even more. No one is going to give up a quality draft pick for a rental with 10 catches in six games, even with how low his cap hit is. While the Steelers' bargains have not done well for them at all in 2024, they may want to pull the trigger on this transaction for no other reason than it won't really cost anything. 

The Steelers could probably get him for a late-round pick swap. They may do something like giving up a 2025 sixth-round pick in exchange for Williams and a 2025 seventh-round pick. There is no reason to overpay for a receiver that has struggled to produce, especially after he suffered a season-ending injury early in 2023. Does he have anything left in the tank? For how cheap it will be to acquire him, the Steelers may find out for sure.

What do you think about Rapoport suggesting that Williams' game against the Steelers will be more like a scouting visit for him? Let us know in the comments.

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