Steelers' Van Jefferson Gives Honest Thoughts On Mike Williams Taking WR2 Role

To no secret, the Pittsburgh Steelers were in need of an addition to the wide receiver room all year. Through the first eight games of the 2024 regular season, the production from the receivers behind George Pickens was inconsistent and unreliable. As a result, just hours before the NFL trade deadline, Pittsburgh acquired veteran wideout Mike Williams from the New York Jets. Moving forward, Williams will likely be taking away some snaps from Calvin Austin III, as well as Van Jefferson, who was asked about Williams' new role with the team. 

In Williams' first game in black and gold, he only caught one pass, but that would essentially be a game-winner as the Steelers went up by one point with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. Williams, who had only been through a few practices with Pittsburgh, made the most out of his only target of the game and sent a big message to the organization. 

Williams' quick impact in the passing game likely leads to the belief that he will become the offense's number two receiver behind Pickens in no time. In last week's win against the Washington Commanders, Jefferson and Austin combined for two catches for 20 yards. Jefferson had no catches on two targets, while Austin was targeted six times. During an interview, former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats asked Jefferson how he personally feels about Williams coming in to presumably take some of his snaps and role. 

"Just putting the team first, you know, being the team guy," Jefferson told Moats. "Obviously, he's done a lot of great things while he's been in the league with the Chargers and now the Jets. Just learning from him and taking that approach. I don't think you look at it as a selfish aspect and be mad or angry. At the end of the day, what's that gonna get you? You still gotta come out here and practice the next day. What's being angry gonna get you? It's not gonna change the situation, so might as well come out here and do the best you can and prepare like the player you are."

Though Jefferson hasn't been a key part of the offense so far this season, only catching 14 passes in nine games, he provides the experience and leadership that the offense is short of. Before Williams' arrival, Jefferson was the most experienced receiver on the roster and won Super Bowl LVI just three seasons ago. Jefferson is 28 years old, and there are only five offensive players on the current roster that are 30 or older. 

Jefferson's contract with Pittsburgh ends after 2024. For the Steelers to re-sign him in free agency, he'll have to start making more catches. Even with the addition of Williams, Pittsburgh will likely find themselves needing another receiver by the 2025 season. 

Steelers Wide Receivers Could Have Huge Games During AFC North Showdown Vs The Ravens

There may not be a better time for guys like Jefferson, Austin, or Williams to have a breakout game than this week against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has the best rushing defense, but the worst pass defense in the entire league. The Ravens, on average, allow just under 295 passing yards per game, 30 more yards than any other team in the NFL. Pittsburgh's passing attack has become extremely more dangerous with Russell Wilson at the helm, and he could lead his receivers to big games on Sunday. 

Fighting for first place in the AFC North with Baltimore, Pittsburgh's offense is going to look to attack. In last year's home victory against the Ravens, Pickens caught for 130 yards and the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute to go in the fourth quarter. 

Who do you think will have a big game against the Ravens' struggling pass defense? Let us know in the comments below.

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