The Pittsburgh Steelers just pulled off one of the most talked-about moves of the 2024 NFL trade deadline.
By trading for wide receiver Mike Williams from the Jets, they’re making it clear they’re serious about chasing a playoff spot.
Undoubtedly, this trade is huge for both sides—Williams gets a fresh start after some struggles in New York, and the Steelers add a veteran receiver who’s ready to prove himself.
Let’s break down the drama that led to this trade, what it means for Pittsburgh, and why this could be a match made in football heaven.
- Pittsburgh trades for veteran WR Mike Williams to beef up their receiving corps and support QB Russell Wilson.
- Friction with Jets QB Aaron Rodgers and reduced playing time led to Williams seeking a new home.
- Analysts think Williams’ skills will mesh perfectly with Wilson, possibly making the Steelers serious contenders in the AFC North.
How the Steelers Landed Mike Williams
Just before the trade deadline, the Steelers sent the New York Jets a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for Mike Williams.
And the move couldn’t have come at a better time for Pittsburgh—they’ve been hunting for another reliable receiver for months.
Earlier targets like Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) and Christian Kirk (Jaguars) fell off the radar due to injuries.
Williams joins a solid receiving group that includes George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and (eventually) Allen Lazard, who’s recovering from a chest injury.
At 6’4″, Williams’ size and contested-catch ability provide the depth Pittsburgh was looking for, and new quarterback Russell Wilson must be excited to have another weapon on the field.
The Rodgers-Williams Drama: What Went Down in New York?
So, why was Mike Williams even on the trade block?
Well, let’s just say things didn’t go as planned in New York.
In the offseason, Williams signed with the Jets on a $10 million deal, coming off ACL surgery.
And the team hoped he’d slide into the WR2 spot behind Garrett Wilson.
But then, Davante Adams showed up.
Adams, Aaron Rodgers’ long-time buddy and favorite target, joined the Jets in a midseason trade from the Raiders.
With Adams in the mix, Williams’ snaps and targets started disappearing.
But that wasn’t even the main issue.
The real drama went down in Week 6 against the Bills.
Late in the game, Rodgers threw a pick and immediately blamed Williams, calling him out for running the wrong route.
Here’s what Rodgers had to say, “It was two verticals. Allen [Lazard is] down the seam, Mike’s down the red line… [but] he’s running an in-breaker. It’s gotta be down the red line.”
Ouch.
Williams didn’t publicly fire back, but sources say it wasn’t a good vibe after that.
He barely practiced the following week and was rumored to have asked for a trade.
Rodgers later softened his tone, saying on The Pat McAfee Show, “Mike’s a good guy. Sometimes a change of scenery is great for certain players.”
A Fresh Start in Pittsburgh
For Williams, this trade is a chance to hit the reset button.
And honestly, it’s probably just what he needs.
He’s already hyped about working with Russell Wilson.
“I’m a playmaker. I want to make plays,” Williams said after the trade. “I’m looking forward to building that chemistry with Russ and showing what I can do.”
Wilson seems excited, too.
An unnamed team source said, “We need that connection to happen fast. Mike brings a lot to the table, and we believe he can help us get to where we want to be.”
It’s not just about catching passes, though.
At 6’4”, Williams brings something the Steelers’ receiving corps has been missing: size.
Most of their other WRs are speed guys, so Williams’ physicality should open things up for everyone.
The Steelers’ Game Plan with Williams and Wilson
The Steelers are in a good spot this season, sitting at 6-2 and leading the AFC North.
But they know the competition is heating up, especially with teams like the Ravens breathing down their neck.
So, adding Williams to the mix gives Pittsburgh a better shot at staying on top.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is all-in on the move, saying, “Mike’s ability to stretch the field and make big plays could be the key to unlocking our offense’s full potential.”
That said, building chemistry with Wilson will be crucial—and fast.
The two have little time to get on the same page before their next game in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
If they can click, though, look out.
The combination of Wilson’s deep ball and Williams’ jump-ball skills could be a nightmare for defenses.
What This Means for the Jets
While the Steelers are celebrating, the Jets are moving forward without Williams.
They’ll rely on Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, rookie Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson to carry the load at wide receiver.
With Allen Lazard on injured reserve until Week 14, their depth will definitely be tested.
What’s Next for Williams and the Steelers?
Williams is set to debut for the Steelers in Week 10, and all eyes will be on him and Wilson to see how quickly they can connect.
In nine games with the Jets, Williams had 12 catches for an average of 13.8 yards per reception.
He’s looking to make an immediate impact and, ideally, score his first touchdown of the season.
For Pittsburgh, this move shows they’re serious about making a deep playoff run.
If Williams can deliver, he could be the missing piece that pushes the Steelers over the top.
A New Chapter for Mike Williams
Mike Williams’ journey from the Jets to the Steelers is a classic NFL story of redemption and second chances.
Things didn’t work out in New York, but Pittsburgh offers him a fresh start with a quarterback who knows how to make the most of his weapons.
If Williams and Wilson can develop that all-important chemistry, the Steelers might just become the team to beat in the AFC.
So, could this be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in Williams’ career?
Let’s see how it all plays out on the field.
