Admin November 5, 2024
Packers may regret starting Jordan Love, Dolphins season likely over
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the top storylines from Week 9 in the NFL.
Sports Seriously
Mike Williams went from running to the “red line” to running out of town.
The Jets have been thrown off their flight path in 2024 and are now shipping a key offseason acquisition elsewhere. New York traded Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers on trade deadline day for a 2025 fifth-round pick. It’s not a shocking move since Williams has long been the subject of trade rumors since Davante Adams arrived in Florham Park, N.J.
Still, it represents another failed signing by the Jets and an opportunity for the Steelers to gain valuable depth at receiver. It might not be a blockbuster, but there are still some winners and losers from a trade that could pay off nicely, depending on your perspective.
Mike Williams trade winners
Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s stating the obvious, but the Steelers have long been waiting for help in their receiver room. After striking out on Brandon Aiyuk, Pittsburgh was able to swing a deal for Williams, who should slot in opposite George Pickens. With Russell Wilson taking over at quarterback, he should take advantage of two jump ball threats. The Steelers offense was noticeably thin at receiver, and they were able to fill that hole without breaking the bank.
Mike Williams
Williams signed with the Jets in the offseason and was supposed to be the team’s WR2 behind Garrett Wilson. New York instead opted to bring Williams along slowly since he was coming off a torn ACL. Thanks partly to that, he never managed to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, falling behind Allen Lazard and others in the pecking order. The team then traded for Davante Adams, which sealed Williams’ fate. He should get more playing time in the Steel City and move up in the standings. He’s the big winner here.
Malachi Corley
The Jets are clinging to their dreams of making the playoffs. At 3-6, they’ll have plenty of work to do. While the Williams trade doesn’t come as a surprise, it does leave the Jets thin at receiver with Lazard on IR for at least three more games. Wilson and Adams will attempt to hold down the fort, but this trade allows some younger guys on the roster to get an opportunity.
Corley was a third-round pick in 2024 and came close to scoring his first touchdown in Week 9. As the story goes, the “YAC King” would drop the ball before crossing the goal line, and the rest is history. Given the lack of options, however, Corley will likely be given the opportunity to carve out a role for himself going forward.
Mike Williams trade losers
Other WR-needy teams
Teams like the Chargers and Eagles are finding themselves scouring a shrinking market for receiver help. As the deadline inches closer, dwindling options don’t help any receiver-needy team.
New York Jets
The Jets, barring a major turnaround, have essentially cemented themselves as some of the biggest losers of 2024. They brought in Williams with the thought he could be a solid piece on a Super Bowl contender. Instead, fans are forced to monitor mock drafts once again in what appears to be a lost season. While the argument can be made that they received a fifth-round pick for cash, considering its original intent, it’s hard to spin this move positively. However, like the case always is with draft picks, the Jets can easily make their way over to the winning side if they make good use of that selection.
New Jersey diners
It’s a fun one, but a loser nonetheless. Williams’ arrival was marked by the fun social media moment of the receiver chowing down on a popular breakfast sandwich from a New Jersey diner. While he can go off and tell the tales of famous eateries, losing a customer is never good.