Current:Home > MyMike Williams trade grades: Did Steelers or Jets win deal for WR?-LoTradeCoin
Mike Williams trade grades: Did Steelers or Jets win deal for WR?
View Date:2024-12-24 00:07:28
The Pittsburgh Steelers had been seen as likely buyers for a wide receiver in the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Now, the leaders of the AFC North have finally made their purchase.
In the run-up to Tuesday's cutoff, the Steelers agreed to acquire Mike Williams from the New York Jets, sending a 2025 fifth-round NFL draft pick back in the deal, according to multiple reports.
For the Steelers, the 6-4, 218-pound target provides a big-bodied downfield target for Russell Wilson, who lacked many perimeter options beyond George Pickens. The Jets, meanwhile, cut their losses on a free-agent signing who never was able to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers, with Williams just recording 12 catches for 166 yards this year.
Here's how both Pittsburgh and New York fared in the deal.
Mike Williams trade grades
Steelers grade: C+
A fifth-round pick doesn't represent a hefty tab, but there's still a price tag here for a mere nine games of work. While the motivation to provide an in-season boost to a passing attack that has shifted with Wilson taking over for Justin Fields, how much of a jolt can Pittsburgh reasonably expect from a 30-year-old who has failed to find his place in a new offense through his first campaign following an ACL tear? Ultimately, Wilson might need to simply trust Williams to come down with some jump balls – which isn't the worst use of the former Los Angeles Chargers standout's skill set. Maybe Mike Tomlin and the Steelers again maximize the returns from a talented pass catcher, but it doesn't seem like this will provide much of an edge against the AFC's elite.
All things Steelers: Latest Pittsburgh Steelers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Jets grade: B-
That the Jets couldn't find a way to push forward with Williams amid its last-gasp attempt at establishing relevance in the playoff picture speaks to how off things were between the receiver and the franchise. At least Joe Douglas recouped something from the ill-advised one-year, $15 million deal given to Williams this offseason. With Allen Lazard on injured reserve until early December, it'll be the Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams show from here on out for Rodgers and the Jets. But that was going to be the case regardless of whether Williams was moved or not.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
veryGood! (821)
Related
- Trump's election has women swearing off sex with men. It's called the 4B movement.
- ALDI's Thanksgiving dinner bundle is its lowest price in 5 years: How families can eat for less
- Alabama to execute Derrick Dearman for murder of 5 five family members. What to know
- SpaceX accuses California board of bias against Musk in decisions over rocket launches
- Ashton Jeanty stats: How many rushing yards did Boise State Heisman hopeful have vs Nevada
- An ex-politician faces at least 20 years in prison in the killing of a Las Vegas reporter
- Reliving hell: Survivors of 5 family members killed in Alabama home to attend execution
- What’s behind the widening gender wage gap in the US?
- At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
- Are chickpeas healthy? How they and other legumes can boost your health.
Ranking
- Up to 20 human skulls found in man's discarded bags, home in New Mexico
- Tennessee Titans expected to release veteran Jamal Adams, per report
- Opinion: Jerry Jones should know better than to pick media fight he can’t win
- Tennessee Titans expected to release veteran Jamal Adams, per report
- Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Explains Why She’s Not Removing Tattoo of Ex Zach Bryan’s Lyrics
- Jerry Seinfeld retracts claim that the extreme left is ruining comedy: 'It's not true'
- Clint Eastwood's Daughter Francesca Eastwood Arrested for Domestic Violence
- Dunkin' Munchkins Bucket and Halloween menu available this week: Here's what to know
Recommendation
-
Stock market today: Asian stocks dip as Wall Street momentum slows with cooling Trump trade
-
Menendez brothers’ family to push for their release as prosecutors review 1989 case
-
When does 'Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives' come out? Season 3 release date, cast
-
A wild cat native to Africa and Asia is captured in a Chicago suburb
-
Benny Blanco Reveals Selena Gomez's Rented Out Botanical Garden for Lavish Date Night
-
Sam Smith Kisses Boyfriend Christian Cowan During New York Date
-
Zendaya's Stylist Law Roach Reacts to 2025 Met Gala Theme
-
Olivia Rodrigo shakes off falling through trapdoor during concert: Watch the moment