In the run-up to Tuesday’s cutoff, the Steelers agreed to acquire Mike Williams from the New York Jets, sending a 2025 fifth-round NFL draft pick back in the deal, according to multiple reports.

For the Steelers, the 6-4, 218-pound target provides a big-bodied downfield target for Russell Wilson, who lacked many perimeter options beyond George Pickens. The Jets, meanwhile, cut their losses on a free-agent signing who never was able to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, with Williams just recording 12 catches for 166 yards this year.

Here’s how both Pittsburgh and New York fared in the deal.

Mike Williams trade grades

Steelers grade: C+

A fifth-round pick doesn’t represent a hefty tab, but there’s still a price tag here for a mere nine games of work. While the motivation to provide an in-season boost to a passing attack that has shifted with Wilson taking over for Justin Fields, how much of a jolt can Pittsburgh reasonably expect from a 30-year-old who has failed to find his place in a new offense through his first campaign following an ACL tear? Ultimately, Wilson might need to simply trust Williams to come down with some jump balls – which isn’t the worst use of the former Los Angeles Chargers standout’s skill set. Maybe Mike Tomlin and the Steelers again maximize the returns from a talented pass catcher, but it doesn’t seem like this will provide much of an edge against the AFC’s elite.