Steelers New Target Mike Williams Excited For Some Long Balls From Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed another wide receiver since the 2024 offseason. The team lacked a solid wide receiver two (WR2) who could partner with George Pickens, and there were general concerns about depth. After months of watching big names like Davante Adams and Brandon Aiyuk come and go, they finally made a trade. 

General Manager Omar Khan was up against the trade deadline and made a move that wasn't a big surprise. The Steelers dealt a fifth-round selection to the New York Jets in exchange for receiver Mike Williams. 

This is good news for everyone involved, including quarterback Russell Wilson, who has been spreading the ball amongst his targets. While Williams wasn't considered an elite wide receiver, he is a big-bodied player who can be a deep threat. This gives Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith various options and a receiver for nearly every situation. 

Williams is also happy about the trade. He spoke to the media in Pittsburgh for the first time after practice on Wednesday. He was asked about connecting with Wilson for some of his famous "moon balls" in a video posted to X by 93.7 The Fan.  

"Yeah, 'cause I mean, that's something that I've been good at also in my career, was catching that deep ball and, you know, tracking the ball," said Williams. "So coming down with a few of those, gaining that trust in each other and just connecting on a lot of those."

Williams was courted by the Jets during the 2024 offseason to be Aaron Rodgers' number two target. Unfortunately, the team added Adams, his favorite receiver and former teammate, and Williams was the odd man out.  

The Jets chose to work Williams in slowly because he was recovering from a torn ACL he had during the 2023 season. Perhaps that is part of why he and Rodgers never developed solid chemistry. 

Rodgers happened to be on The Pat McAfee Show when the trade news broke, and he praised his former teammate. He said Williams was putting in hard work, trying to rehabilitate his knee and get back in playing shape, noting he was improving weekly. He added that Williams would be a solid veteran in the Steelers' locker room. 

Williams was the Los Angeles Chargers' first-round pick in 2017 and performed well for them, having two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. One of the biggest knocks on Williams is that he has suffered numerous injuries during his time in the league. That includes multiple injuries to his neck and back, ankle sprains, and a hamstring pull.   

Steelers' Mike Williams Thought He Was Dreaming

At 30 years old, Williams should still have a few more years of playing time ahead of him if he can stay healthy. According to a video posted by Cassidy Wood, he told the media that he was sleeping when his agent called. He said he felt his phone vibrating and woke up to five missed messages from his agent and the Jets' general manager informing him of the trade. He added that he is excited about the opportunity and looks forward to being in the Steel City. 

While some Steelers insiders, like Ray Fittipaldo, caution fans not to get hung up on playing time or how much Williams plays, others feel that he is a good fit for what Pittsburgh needs. Fittipaldo said that receivers such as Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson will likely see an increase in their playing time because Wilson has been working them in more and more. However, he added that everyone has a part to play, and Williams will find his niche in the offense shortly. 

Even though Williams and Pickens share similar talents, especially catching contested passes, the younger Pickens is the more talented player.

How do you think Williams will fit into the Wilson-led offense? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation