The New York Jets have spent some time reshaping their roster in hopes of contending with Aaron Rodgers under center. They recently signed a huge addition to protect their quarterback in lineman Tyron Smith, and now it looks as though the team has shifted its attention to getting Aaron Rodgers some more weapons. Reports indicate that the Jets are considering Mike Williams, with Sheena Quick of FOX stating he’ll be visiting the Jets on Monday.
Per source, WR Mike Williams will be meeting with the #Panthers on Tuesday. He meets with the #Jets on Monday.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) March 16, 2024
This meeting is part of Williams’ free agency tour, and he also has a meeting with the Carolina Panthers scheduled for Tuesday. The Chargers, facing a tight salary cap, released Williams, who was slated for a significant cap hit of $32.46 million for 2024.
How does Mike Williams Fit the New York Jets?
For the New York Jets, acquiring a dynamic receiver like Williams could help Aaron Rodgers and the Jets make some noise in the AFC East. If he does sign with them, he’ll be teaming him up with Garrett Wilson and could help distribute defensive focus and open up the field, creating more opportunities for the passing game and other receivers.
The need for another wide receiver option is underscored by the fact that Allen Lazard, the team’s second-leading receiver last season, is reportedly on the block just one year into his deal. The team also released Corey Davis, though he was not a factor in 2023.
Mike Williams Still Has the Potential to Make an Impact
The Chargers released the 29-year-old due to a failed physical designation. This likely stems from his ACL injury, which ended his 2023 season after only three games.
However, you only have to go back to 2022 to find a time when he was effective. Mike Williams had 895 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He caught 70 percent of his targets at an impressive average of 14.2 yards per catch.
The wide receiver consistently performed from 2018 to 2021, missing only two games. He had his best season in 2021 with 1,146 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He has a reputation for excelling in contested catch situations and providing a potent downfield threat that could help the New York Jets offensive scheme. His physical stature and playing style have often been likened to a power forward in basketball, known for boxing out opponents and securing catches effectively.
Williams’ market value remains uncertain, especially given his recent injury history. However, the New York Jets, with a reported $25.3 million in cap space, are in a position to make strategic signings like these. The addition of Tyron Smith has solidified their offensive line, allowing them to potentially prioritize a receiver in free agency or the NFL draft, which boasts a strong class of wide receivers.
Williams’ journey from being a key player for the Chargers, alongside Keenan Allen and under quarterback Justin Herbert, to seeking a new team is not what was anticipated. However, due to his talents and the potential fit for the New York Jets, his visit with the Jets could lead to a deal that might cause him to cancel his meeting with the Carolina Panthers.