New York Jets trade WR Mike Williams to Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a big-time move before the trade deadline. The Steelers have landed receiver Mike Williams in a deal with the New York Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The ESPN insider revealed the news Tuesday afternoon on Twitter.

“Pittsburgh is trading a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Jets for WR Mike Williams, per source,” Schefter posted. He added that the Steelers will take on the remainder of Mike Williams’ contract.

Williams was in his first season with the New York Jets after previously playing for the Chargers for seven years. He was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

The former Clemson star had 12 catches for 166 yards for the Jets this season. Mike Williams missed most of last season with an injury but he did have 895 yards in 13 games in 2022.

His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 76 catches for 1,146 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Aaron Rodgers reacts to New York Jets trading Mike Williams to Pittsburgh Steelers

The Mike Williams trade from the Jets to the Steelers actually happened during Aaron Rodgers‘ weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. That allowed the Jets quarterback to react in real-time right after the news surfaced.

“Mike’s a quiet guy, just kind of goes about his business,” Aaron Rodgers said. “Mike had a rough injury last year, that ACL, it’s tough to come back from and he worked his ass off all offseason. Wasn’t around for a lot of training camp, he was working on the side, but I felt like he was getting better throughout the early part of the season.

“Feel like his speed was getting better and he was feeling more comfortable with it. That’s a tough injury, I had that injury and it’s the mental part that takes the longest.”

Rodgers continued to discuss Williams as a player and teammate. He feels that perhaps he will be able to get more targets in Pittsburgh as the Jets already have a couple of players who are getting plenty of targets in New York.

“Mike’s a good guy; he’ll be good in that locker room. Obviously, had a lot of great veteran leadership,” Rogers said. “He’s had a nice career and sometimes a change of scenery is great for certain guys. I mean shoot, it was great for me, it was fun kind of getting re-enthused and stuff.

“we kind of knew with Davante (Adams) coming in that there’d be less targets for everybody. Because (Garret Wilson‘s) leading the league in targets, he’s gonna get his targets. And Tae’s a dynamic player, he’s gonna get his targets. So if this gives Mike more opportunities, that’s awesome and we wish Mike well.”