Trade: Steelers Acquiring Big Target Mike Williams From New York Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers were once looked at as a great fit for either Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams. One stayed with his current team and signed a new contract while the other ended up being dealt to his preferred destination in the New York Jets. Fans have been hearing about rumors surrounding General Manager Omar Khan and the front office inquiring all over the place in an attempt to improve the wide receiving corps, and now it finally appears as if the team will be bringing in an external piece via trade on the day of the highly-anticipated deadline.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Steelers have reached an agreement with another franchise in regards to a wide receiver. All of the rumors and conversation surrounding Pittsburgh will finally come to rest/

This is the end of a long cycle that has seen the Steelers looking forward a wide receiver. Mike Williams may not be the prized possession that fans were hoping for, but he can certainly be used in the red zone and help the wide receivers' room. He was engulfed in a crowded wide receivers' room for the Jets and now will get the chance to prove his worth. Ian Rapoport reported on the compensation.

This does mean that the Steelers will lose one of the two fifth-round picks the organization has in 2025. The second is from the Los Angeles Rams due to the trade involving Kevin Dotson. Depending on the playing time of Justin Fields, it also could mean a long day three with the team forfeiting one fifth-rounder and giving up a sixth if Fields plays less than 50% of the offensive snaps.

Williams only has 12 catches for 166 yards in 2024, but he will be expected to enjoy more of a prominent role in a Steelers offense that needs some more options in the passing game. It will be interesting to see how he is used, and more importantly, if he will be suiting up for Pittsburgh's Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

This is a move that will help Russell Wilson and his deep ball. Williams can be used as a vertical threat all over the field. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has to be happy with the fact that the team will have a huge target in Williams. It may not be the sexiest acquisition, but the Steelers did upgrade a room that needed to be improved.

Schefter continued with news about the trade and noted that Pittsburgh is completely relieving the Jets of any kind of financial responsibility. Khan and the Steelers will absorb Williams' contract.

Pittsburgh has some cap space saved in 2024 and Khan has been quoted in the past saying that the league cap number is there for a reason and he always expects to spend to it. Having a little stashed on the side is one of the main reasons that this deadline deal could come to fruition.

Steelers Finally Make The Right Decision To Help Star Wide Receiver George Pickens

George Pickens has needed a partner-in-crime for the entire 2024 season and while Williams may not be looked at as this monumental upgrade, he could turn into a weapon if he gets the opportunity. He is only under contract for this year, so Williams can be looked at as a rental as of now, but the hope is that with more chances, he can provide the offense with a significant boost.

Do you like the trade for Williams? Let us know in the comments below!

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