The Pittsburgh Steelers took their pursuit for a wide receiver all the way up to the last hours of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, but general manager Omar Khan finally got his guy after striking a deal with the New York Jets for wideout Mike Williams.
The Steelers acquired Williams from the Jets in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who also notes that Pittsburgh will be picking up the remainder of Williams’ 2024 money, which comes out to $627,500, per Spotrac.
Williams wasn’t the big, flashy move Steelers fans were hoping for, but that does not change the fact that he’s still an upgrade. Williams offers a solid No. 2 option behind George Pickens for Russell Wilson and adds much-needed length to Pittsburgh’s receivers room.
Now, let’s see what the experts are saying. Here’s how some of them graded the Steelers’ trade deadline acquisition of Williams.
Steelers grades for Mike Williams trade
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A
Iyer: “When the Steelers made the change at QB to a healthy Russell Wilson, it meant they wanted to unlock the downfield passing game off play-action better using Wilson’s big arm. Justin Fields did well to win games in a run-heavy approach relying on the defense, but now that Pittsburgh has opened up the offense, it needs more wideout help. Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller had been the next receivers on the depth chart with rookie Roman Wilson injured. Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth needed an experienced third target to deflect some coverage, and they got him. Williams, 30, has had plenty of injury issues throughout his career with the Chargers and Jets, keeping him from living up to some elite promise as a massive field-stretcher and red-zone threat. However, if he can stay healthy in Pittsburgh, he will play a key complementary role in the new-look offense for the rest of the season.”
Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports: B-
Kerr: “After months of exploring the wide receiver trade market, Pittsburgh finally got a new perimeter weapon, taking Williams off the hands of the New York Jets, who made their own splash by adding Davante Adams weeks before the deadline. The ex-Los Angeles Chargers standout will pair with George Pickens.”
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: C+
Middlehurst-Schwartz: “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.”
Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus: B+
McGuinness: “In one of the most obvious trade fits, the Steelers add a receiver who can win contested catches for Russell Wilson. Williams has hauled in 54.2% of contested targets throughout his NFL career.”
Bleacher Report: B
Bleacher Report: “Pittsburgh lacked a true WR2 behind Pickens. Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have a combined for 28 receptions. Williams immediately provides the Steelers with a bigger target and downfield threat to play opposite Pickens. Pittsburgh gets another weapon as it gears up for a playoff run, while the Jets get something in return for a player who provided very little. It’s a win-win scenario.”
