Updated NY Jets depth chart after trading WR Mike Williams to Steelers

Williams never got going in New York.

Mike Williams
Mike Williams | Luke Hales/GettyImages

The NY Jets have had many failed additions in their recent push to go all-in with Aaron Rodgers, but perhaps none of them have failed quite as hard as former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams. After returning from yet another serious injury to start 2024, Williams and Rodgers never got in sync.

The Jets knew they had to get rid of Williams, as it didn't make any sense to keep him around right after they acquired Davante Adams. Despite some speculation they could keep him due to the Allen Lazard injury, the Jets were able to find a willing buyer.

The Jets traded Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 fifth-round pick. The Jets had no use for Williams, but they will need to shake up their depth chart just a tad as they try to get Rodgers the best set of targets possible.

Updates NY Jets depth chart after trading Mike Williams to Steelers

  • WR1: Davante Adams
  • WR2: Garrett Wilson
  • WR3: Allen Lazard (IR)
  • WR4: Xavier Gipson
  • WR5: Malachi Corley
  • WR6: Irv Charles

Adams and Wilson at the tip of the Jets' spear will be enough to keep their passing game productive against most teams in the league. While it might be too late for a playoff push when Lazard gets back, Rodgers and the Jets will have one of the best trios in the game.

The depth chart thins out after that. Gipson has been thoroughly underwhelming after a hot start to his rookie season. Corley, a much-hyped third-round pick with about a dozen snaps to his name, has two career touches, one of which was a touchdown he threw away on Thursday Night Football.

The Jets could have utilized Williams more, as he had just 12 catches with zero touchdowns despite showing some skill at winning 50-50 balls, he has clearly lost a step after all these injuries.

The Jets were able to get a draft pick for the fourth-best wide receiver on their 3-6 roster, which could easily be spun as an overpay from a Steelers team that missed out on many of the best candidates on the market. Time will tell if Williams turns back the clock in Pittsburgh.

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