NFL insider reveals the teams pursuing Jets WR Mike Williams before deadline

Did Thursday Night Football change everything for the NY Jets? It's a tough question to answer, but that's precisely what many fans and outlets are saying about the Week 9 victory. Defeating the Houston Texans in what began as an ugly game, the Jets pulled to 3-6 and are in second place in the AFC East.

For those who stuck it out after halftime, things got real interesting; especially entertaining for Jets fans. Garrett Wilson put on an absolute stunner of a show with two touchdown grabs, but none was more impressive than the play some are now dubbing the "catch of the year," on a score he hauled in during the third quarter.

It might have been ugly at times, but the Jets got the win. Now, as the NFL trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, does this win change anything?

Namely, what about a potential Mike Williams trade? After the Jets dealt for Davante Adams, it seemed imminent that Williams would be on his way out, and the Jets have certainly received some interest.

Following their primetime loss to the Buffalo Bills three weeks ago, a few specific teams called the Jets about a Williams trade, knowing the veteran wideout was on the block.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Saints, Steelers, and Chargers have called New York about a trade for Williams. All three of those clubs make a ton of sense as they're in desperate need for help at the wide receiver position, but will the Jets ultimately choose to move Williams in the end?

Why Mike Williams might end up staying with the Jets past the NFL trade deadline

The most important aspect of this entire situation is the odd injury suffered by Allen Lazard, who was just placed on injured reserve. Now out with what's being labeled a chest injury, Lazard opens the door back up for Williams to make an impact.

After the Adams trade, the big three at the position were clearly going to be him, Garrett Wilson, and Lazard. So, a Williams trade made sense at the time. But now with Lazard out a few games at least, Williams is going to be on the field a whole lot more.

Do the Jets really want to trade Williams and be forced to depend on someone like rookie Malachi Corley getting more snaps, especially after watching the embarrassing mistake he made with his very first NFL touch?

Keeping the veteran around, in the end, might make the most sense for the Jets. If Aaron Rodgers and the offense can continue to ascend and get on the same page, the season is indeed far from over. It might sound strange trying to pump up a 3-6 team, but things are far from over, mathematically speaking.

And, if we've learned anything over Rodgers' career, it's the fact that he performs best with his back against the wall. Trading one of his top three wide receivers, at the moment, may not be in the best interest of this team, now.

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