At long last, a helper has been landed. The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired a starting receiver.
According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to the New York Jets for receiver Mike Williams.
The move comes after an expansive search for a receiver that ranged from San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk to (former) Las Vegas Raiders veteran Davante Adams and several other intriguing names.
Ultimately, the Steelers landed on Williams, whose skill set is eerily similar to top target George Pickens.
Pickens is at his best when playing above the rim, making contested catches and stretching the field in the process. Williams, a 2017 first-round pick, comes in the same mold of receiver.
This meshes well with quarterback Russell Wilson who reclaimed the starting role after a summer injury and has seen instant success after spelling Justin Fields. Wilson immediately showcased a rapport with Pickens, throwing up “moon balls” and letting Pickens’ talent win out.
Expect Williams to get many of the same looks.
While their skills overlap, their roles won’t. Williams is a near-direct replacement for veteran Van Jefferson, who the team acquired this offseason. In eight games, Jefferson has found only 14 catches on 21 targets, good for 139 yards and a score.
That’s not going to cut it for a second boundary threat, and now it no longer has to.
However, Williams – while a firm upgrade – hasn’t seen much success in his first year with the Jets. Recovering from an ACL tear, Williams started slow. He generated 12 catches on 21 targets for 166 yards and no touchdowns.
