The Pittsburgh Steelers had been seen as likely buyers for a wide receiver in the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Now, the leaders of the AFC North have finally made their purchase.
In the run-up to Tuesday’s cutoff, the Steelers agreed to acquire Mike Williams from the New York Jets, sending a 2025 fifth-round NFL draft pick back in the deal, according to multiple reports.
For the Steelers, the 6-4, 218-pound target provides a big-bodied downfield target for Russell Wilson, who lacked many perimeter options beyond George Pickens. The Jets, meanwhile, cut their losses on a free-agent signing who never was able to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, with Williams just recording 12 catches for 166 yards this year.
Here’s how both Pittsburgh and New York fared in the deal.
Mike Williams trade grades
Steelers grade: C+
A fifth-round pick doesn’t represent a hefty tab, but there’s still a price tag here for a mere nine games of work. While the motivation to provide an in-season boost to a passing attack that has shifted with Wilson taking over for Justin Fields, how much of a jolt can Pittsburgh reasonably expect from a 30-year-old who has failed to find his place in a new offense through his first campaign following an ACL tear? Ultimately, Wilson might need to simply trust Williams to come down with some jump balls – which isn’t the worst use of the former Los Angeles Chargers standout’s skill set. Maybe Mike Tomlin and the Steelers again maximize the returns from a talented pass catcher, but it doesn’t seem like this will provide much of an edge against the AFC’s elite.
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Jets grade: B-
That the Jets couldn’t find a way to push forward with Williams amid its last-gasp attempt at establishing relevance in the playoff picture speaks to how off things were between the receiver and the franchise. At least Joe Douglas recouped something from the ill-advised one-year, $15 million deal given to Williams this offseason. With Allen Lazard on injured reserve until early December, it’ll be the Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams show from here on out for Rodgers and the Jets. But that was going to be the case regardless of whether Williams was moved or not.
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