Not to be outdone by the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers added to their receiver arsenal with New York Jets veteran, Mike Williams.
The Steelers waited too long to make a move, leaving them with an underwhelming trade for Williams.
Acquiring the 30-year-old receiver for a 2025 fifth-round pick raises questions among fans about the impact he will have. While the Ravens' fanbase certainly won’t complain about the Steelers’ decision, it’s hard not to view this trade as a significant disappointment.
Pittsburgh Steelers make a trade deadline deal with the New York Jets for WR Mike Williams
This must be a significant disappointment for Steelers fans. While the Ravens' fanbase certainly won’t be complaining, it’s hard not to see this trade as somewhat insignificant.
Another big-time WR trade: The #Jets are now trading WR Mike Williams to the #Steelers, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024
At last, Mike Williams heads out with a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/GVVcbBQXbV
Mike Williams' time in New York came to an end after just seven months, as the Jets opted to part ways with him following the acquisition of Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. With Adams stepping in as a starter alongside Garrett Wilson, Williams became the odd man out, managing only 12 receptions for 166 yards and no touchdowns in nine games.
The Steelers hope that his skill set, particularly his ability to win at the catch point due to his 6'4 frame, will translate better in Pittsburgh’s offense. While it’s a limited skill set, it can be valuable, especially for a quarterback willing to throw into tight coverage.
What makes the deal even more appealing for Ravens fans is that the Steelers will cover the remainder of Williams' salary this season, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
For context, DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round pick, while Diontae Johnson was also traded for a fifth-round pick, with a sixth-round pick coming back. It’s difficult to argue that either of those players isn't worth more than what the Chiefs and Ravens gave up for them, respectively. The same cannot be said for the Steelers and Williams.
Williams' trade at the deadline isn't the first move to directly impact the AFC North. As noted previously, the Ravens traded for Johnson last week. The Bengals have already added running back Khalil Herbert, and the Cleveland Browns traded Za'Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions.
Pittsbnurgh's trade for Mike Williams feels insignificant and underwhelming. While they hoped to find a reliable receiving option to support George Pickens, they ultimately settled for a player who hasn't made a significant impact in years.
For Ravens fans, it’s satisfying to see the Steelers fail to add a true difference-maker at the deadline, further solidifying their struggles in a competitive AFC North.