NFL insider reveals Jets' latest plans on trading Mike Williams before deadline
By Ryan Heckman
Prior to this year's NFL trade deadline, the NY Jets have already been busy, and we're not even solely talking trades.
Of course, the past few weeks have been dominated by some significant decisions within the organization. Firing Robert Saleh and acquiring wide receiver Davante Adams were both notable headlines, and each decision was made for the betterment of this team.
...at least, that was the intent.
Five-straight losses aside, the Jets still have some work to do before the trade deadline, and it doesn't necessarily have to do with continuing to try and make a desperate push for the playoffs. No, there's been a move in waiting for a little while now; ever since the Adams trade.
With the arrival of Adams, the Jets almost immediately made it known they were going to trade wide receiver Mike Williams, but the question was, when would they do it?
Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano put together their latest column with tons of current trade intel and included the Jets' situation with Williams. Specifically, Fowler chimed in with some of the latest he's hearing on Williams' future.
"What's clear is the Jets are open to a trade, Williams is open to a trade and there is external interest in a deal. My sense, though, is the Jets want to get through Thursday night's game with the Texans before fully assessing the market and potentially doing a deal."
- Jeremy Fowler
So, the Jets are trying for a Williams trade. Williams, himself, would like a trade. That is that. But, the team is waiting until after Thursday Night Football against the Houston Texans before making a deal. It looks like they'll go right down to the wire, with the deadline coming this next Tuesday afternoon.
Which teams still need wide receiver help before the trade deadline?
There are three teams that stick out as potential suitors for Williams. Let's start with the least likely, the Detroit Lions.
Jameson Williams is dealing with his own suspension along with a legal situation off the field, so we're not sure what the future holds for him. However, the Lions have leaned heavily on the run game and still have Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta as the top two options in their passing attack.
Another team that might be interested in Williams could be the Houston Texans, who just lost Stefon Diggs for the season due to a torn ACL. With them getting Nico Collins back from injury, that'll help. That said, adding another veteran could be in the cards.
Maybe the most likely scenario is that Williams gets dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been in on the wide receiver market for a while now, but keep coming up short. They tried for Adams. They tried for Brandon Aiyuk.
And now, with Russell Wilson under center, Williams could be the perfect target. Wilson's infamous "moon balls" would float nicely to a deep threat like Williams.
Where will he end up? It's only a matter of days before we find out.