The acquisition of Davante Adams by the New York Jets has somehow diminished the overall value of Mike Williams in the roster. If ESPN’s latest NFL analysis is to be believed, though, the wide receiver may be of more use to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers find themselves in a state of desperation following significant trades in the NFL, particularly after missing out on top wide receivers. Recently, the Jets made headlines by acquiring Adams, leaving the Steelers scrambling for alternatives. Although Pittsburgh was in discussions for Adams, they ultimately failed to secure a deal.
Head coach Mike Tomlin’s announcement that Russell Wilson would take first-team reps hints at a potential starting role in Week 7, stirring mixed feelings among fans. However, the real concern lies in the Steelers’ lack of a reliable wide receiver option, especially after Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills, further depleting their chances.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Steelers face a dwindling pool of viable targets. Options like DeAndre Hopkins and Darius Slayton are available, but none promise to be a game-changer. The prospect of trading for Tee Higgins seems unlikely, given the Bengals’ reluctance to strengthen a division rival.
As the Steelers look ahead, they may need to consider less appealing options, such as former first-round pick Treylon Burks. Currently, George Pickens stands as the most talented receiver on the roster, but the team lacks a true No. 1 option. To bolster their offense, the Steelers will need to think creatively and act quickly, as the clock ticks down to the trade deadline. The urgency for a significant addition at wide receiver has never been clearer, and the team’s future may hinge on their next move.
NFL Analysis Projects Pittsburgh Steelers Trading For New York Jets’ Mike Williams
As it stands, the Steelers may benefit more with Williams onboard. According to an analysis done Bill Barnwell for ESPN, Pittsburgh is projected to trade for the wide receiver for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Davante Adams‘ spot in the Jets’ starting lineup probably will come at the expense of Williams, who has been targeted on game-sealing interceptions in back-to-back games. In addition to not being on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, Williams doesn’t quite look all the way back from the torn ACL he suffered in September 2023. In 2022, his last full season, his average maximum speed when running routes was 14.4 mph, which ranked 27th out of 104 wideouts. This season, his average maximum speed has dropped to 12.9 mph, which ranks 99th.
At the same time, Williams is owed only about $837,000 over the rest of the season, which makes him a reasonable trade candidate for a team hoping the veteran gets healthier and returns to his old form. One place that has an opening is Pittsburgh, where the Steelers were reportedly close to acquiring Brandon Aiyuk before the season. Williams isn’t the same caliber of player, but this would be a much cheaper acquisition.
The Steelers are reportedly interested in trading for Mike Williams, especially after the New York Jets acquired him to bolster their already impressive receiving corps, which includes Davante Adams. With Aaron Rodgers leading the charge, the Jets aim for a strong season, while the Steelers desperately seek a top wide receiver to enhance their offense.
Acquiring Williams could provide the Steelers with the dynamic playmaker they need, but they face stiff competition from a Jets team that is rapidly solidifying its roster. Time is running out for Pittsburgh to make a significant move.
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