Mike Williams is on the move, and it’s an exciting time for the Pittsburgh Steelers!
The Steelers made a trade with the New York Jets to bring in the big-play wide receiver, sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to New York in exchange for Williams. The trade, which is still pending a physical for Williams, was quickly announced by both teams, marking a major move ahead of the deadline.
The Steelers didn’t stop there, though. Alongside Williams, they also acquired edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh sent a 2025 seventh-round pick to Green Bay, adding even more power to an already strong pass-rushing unit. The move gives them a formidable lineup with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and now Smith, who, even at 31, brings solid experience to the mix.
Smith has two seasons left on his contract, totaling $24.6 million in base salary, and while he hasn’t had his strongest season so far, joining a team with defensive standouts like Watt should help bring out his best. The Steelers have been dealing with some injuries on the defensive line, but with Nick Herbig set to return soon, opposing quarterbacks may have a tough time ahead.
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For Williams, the move comes after he found himself as the odd man out in New York’s receiver lineup. After the Jets brought in Davante Adams, it was hard for Williams to secure a consistent role, especially with players like Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard already in the mix. But in Pittsburgh, he’ll get a fresh start and likely more chances to show off his skills.
Williams initially signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Jets after being released by the Chargers in the spring. While he was coming off a torn ACL and started the season slowly, the Jets’ receiver room quickly became crowded, making it hard for Williams to find his footing. Now in Pittsburgh, he’ll join forces with quarterback Russell Wilson and give the offense a valuable veteran presence.
At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Williams is known for his big body and playmaking ability. His numbers this season—12 catches for 166 yards—don’t fully reflect his potential, especially given his limited time on the field. For the Steelers, he’s the kind of physical receiver who can complement George Pickens and create some exciting possibilities on offense.
The Jets, now standing at 3-6, are still holding onto playoff hopes but likely saw this trade as a way to make the best of a signing that didn’t quite pan out. Williams wasn’t fully utilized in New York, so this move gives them some value in return while freeing up space in their receiver corps.
On the other hand, the Steelers are sitting comfortably atop the AFC North at 6-2 and have had a need for depth at wide receiver for quite some time. Injuries to rookies like Roman Wilson, who has yet to play a snap this season, only highlighted the need for reinforcements, and adding Williams feels like a timely upgrade.
Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have stepped up in recent weeks, but Williams’ arrival should bring more firepower to the Steelers’ passing game. It’s the kind of boost that could help Pittsburgh stay competitive and keep their spot in the playoffs.
It’s been a season-long search for the Steelers to add more talent at wide receiver, and with Williams now joining the roster, the team looks more prepared than ever for the second half of the season.
