The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got their wide receiver as the trade deadline approached. On Tuesday, the Steelers traded a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan had been looking for help at the wide receiver position since deciding to trade away Diontae Johnson earlier in the 2024 offseason.
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Jets' Mike Williams celebrates after a big first down.
While the Steelers added Van Jefferson and saw Calvin Austin III emerge as a promising target, it was clear they needed another playmaker. With George Pickens firmly established as the number one option, the arrival of Williams gives the Steelers a much-needed boost in their passing game.
What makes Mike Williams a good fit?#Steelers Mike Tomlin interesting answer pic.twitter.com/YjiBZsh4C6
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Wednesday, fielding questions about the acquisition of Williams and what he brings to the team. When asked about why Williams is a good fit, Tomlin was hesitant to say he was a good fit.
"That’s to be discovered," Tomlin said. "I didn’t say that [he was a good fit] and so we will get to know him. We will get to know his skill set and we will figure those things out along the way."
The Steelers offense has gained new life with quarterback Russell Wilson back in the lineup. Austin is making game-changing plays, and Jefferson is starting to have a noticeable impact as well.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson drops back to pass during a Sunday Night Football Game against the New York Jets.
Pickens has been as good as advertised for most of the 2024 season, consistently delivering for the team. Now, with Williams and his ability to stretch the field and win 50/50 balls, the Steelers have added another serious threat in the passing game.
While adding Williams may not be as impactful as a player like Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams, it’s still an upgrade that enhances the offense. Wilson has been taking shots downfield, and Williams will likely see plenty of opportunities. Tomlin remains cautious about calling him a perfect fit, not out of doubt, but out of honesty—he hasn’t seen it in action yet. It may sound obvious, but this is often how Tomlin approaches new additions to the team.
Steelers Made A Second Exciting Trade On Tuesday
Tomlin and Steeler Nation are eager to see how Williams will fit into Arthur Smith’s offense. The Steelers also made another move at the trade deadline, acquiring outside linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a seventh-round pick.
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Former Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith rushes the quarterback during a regular season game.
Once a standout on defense, Smith's production dipped following a shift in the Packers’ scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3, which moved him from outside linebacker to defensive end. This change impacted his performance, ultimately prompting him to seek a trade.
Adding Smith is an exciting move that bolsters the Steelers' already star-studded defense at virtually no cost. As a seasoned veteran, he brings depth and experience that could elevate the unit’s overall performance. Despite these promising additions, Tomlin remains cautious about calling Williams a perfect fit—true to his style, he’s reserving judgment until he sees it on the field.
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