The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver room needed some big-time help during the 2024 season. That’s why the Steelers made a trade happen right around the deadline to bring former New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams to Pittsburgh. Williams wasn’t used much, but his game-winning touchdown catch from Russell Wilson against the Washington Commanders was memorable as all get out, giving fans a glimpse of what he could bring to the offense. With the Steelers struggling to find consistency in their receiving corps, the hope was that Williams would provide a spark to their passing game.
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Mike Williams scores his first touchdown with the Steelers in a game against the Washington Commanders.
However, after a challenging 2024 season in Pittsburgh and limited playing time, Williams’ tenure with the Steelers ended. In a surprising move, he was signed as a free agent back to the team that originally drafted him—the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers, looking to bolster their wide receiver depth, welcomed Williams back to a familiar team. His return provided them with another veteran presence to complement their receiving group and add another weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert.
On Friday, Williams spoke to the media about the opportunity to return to the Chargers, expressing how meaningful it was to rejoin the team that drafted him. He reflected on the difficulties of last season, acknowledging how tough it was to adjust to both the Jets and Steelers’ systems. Despite the challenges, he was eager to turn the page and contribute once again to a team he had spent the early part of his career with.
"Last year was terrible for me," Williams said Friday during his press conference with the Los Angeles Chargers. "Just being honest. It was terrible. Probably the worst year I had in the league by far. I'm just putting in the past. That was the past, trying to make it feel like it didn't happen for me. Just getting back to what I'm used to doing and having fun."
Williams, of course, isn’t just reflecting on his time with the Steelers. His journey took a rocky turn when his stint with the Jets didn’t go as planned, which ultimately led to him being traded mid-season. His time in New York was marked by frustration and unfulfilled potential, something that clearly impacted his career trajectory. It also was marked by his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers using him as a scapegoat in that redline saga.
Bill Kostroun / New York Post
Former New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams jogs during a practice.
When Williams joined the Steelers, fans were hopeful that he would be able to turn things around and showcase the talent that had once made him a standout player. However, as the season progressed, it felt like he didn’t receive many opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the field. It seemed as though Pittsburgh didn’t fully tap into his strengths, and he was underused in key moments.
Steelers Failed To Truly Unlock Mike Williams' Potential During The 2024 Season
As the season wound down, it became clear that Williams wasn’t used in the way many expected, and his limited role left fans questioning the coaching staff’s decisions. Despite the high hopes surrounding his arrival, the Steelers didn’t seem to unlock the potential many believed he had. This underutilization likely left both Williams and the team feeling frustrated by the lack of results.
Looking ahead to 2025, Williams is focused on putting the disappointments of 2024 behind him. With a fresh start in Los Angeles, he is determined to bounce back and prove his worth with the Chargers. With a new team and a new mindset, Williams is ready to leave the past in the rearview mirror and make the most of his next opportunity.
Stephanie Scarbrough / Associated Press
Steelers' Mike Williams celebrates after scoring a touchdown in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
Williams' words aren't all that surprising, especially given how things ended with the Jets and the failed experiment there. He sees himself as a top-tier wide receiver and is speaking directly about his production. His frustration with his role on both teams is evident, and he's hoping for a much bigger opportunity in 2025.
In nine games with the Steelers, Williams recorded just nine catches for 132 yards and one touchdown—a far cry from what he believes he's capable of. Now, he’s looking ahead to a season where he can finally prove himself as a more significant contributor.
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