NY Jets fleece Steelers in no-brainer Mike Williams trade

The NY Jets had high expectations for wide receiver Mike Williams when the team signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract this past offseason. Just nine games into his first year in New York, Williams is already packing his bags.

The Jets sent Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. The veteran wideout had been the subject of various trade rumors since the team acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders last month.

Williams struggled to find a regular home in the Jets' offense, hauling in just 12 catches for 166 yards in nine games. His inability to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers is ultimately what contributed to his premature departure.

There was some belief that the Jets could opt to retain Williams following Allen Lazard's injury, but this was too good of a deal for the team to pass up. A fifth-round pick for Williams is fantastic value for the Jets at this stage. The Steelers will also take on the remainder of Williams' contract.

Mike Williams trade is fantastic value for the NY Jets

The Jets managed to trade a player with 12 catches in nine games who is set to be a free agent in a few months for a fifth-round pick. There's no other way to shape it — this is excellent value for the Jets.

The Kansas City Chiefs just acquired DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fifth-round pick. The Jets essentially received the exact same value for Williams.

Lazard's injury leaves the Jets dangerously thin at wide receiver behind Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson. The likes of Xavier Gipson, Irvin Charles, and rookie Malachi Corley don't inspire much confidence.

Williams is still a quality player who showed flashes for the Jets this season, but his lack of chemistry with Rodgers and the team's inability to find a consistent role for him on offense makes this a no-brainer for the organization.

The Jets, at 3-6, are still trying to compete for a playoff spot in 2024. The Williams trade undoubtedly makes them worse in the short term, but the value of the deal can't be overlooked. This also suggests the Jets are confident that Lazard could return after the Jets' bye in a few weeks.

The Steelers have been active in the wide receiver market for months, having missed out on top names like Brandon Aiyuk. They were desperate to land a wide receiver, which is probably why they were willing to overpay to land Williams.

The Jets are the ones to benefit from their desperation. Williams is off to Pittsburgh, and the Jets now have an additional mid-Day 3 pick in 2025 at their disposal.

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