New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams could be made available for trade prior to the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 5), according to reports. General manager Joe Douglas finally acquired superstar wideout Davante Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. Adams will now form a one-two punch with Garrett Wilson for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Allen Lazard should continue working as the Jets' third receiver, given the chemistry and shared history he possesses with Rodgers. Williams has recorded just 10 receptions for 145 yards and zero touchdowns this season. He should fall completely out of favor following Adams’ arrival.
Williams, who presumably ran the wrong route on Rodgers' game-losing interception on Monday versus the Buffalo Bills, projects as the odd man out. We've identified three potential landing spots for Williams via trade.
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been the rookie revelation of the season. Daniels has the Commanders rolling at 4-2 and sitting atop the NFC East division. Washington appears to be a legitimate postseason contender.
The Commanders rank 13th in passing yards per game (220.7) despite having Terry McLaurin and not much else at receiver. Veterans like Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Dyami Brown have been masquerading as pass-catching threats. The Commanders need more time to develop Luke McCaffrey and Ben Sinnott.
General manager Adam Peters should get aggressive while Daniels remains on his rookie contract. Williams would be a one-year rental that wouldn't impact future cap implications anyway. If new surroundings help Williams recapture his form, he'd quickly become a deep-ball threat for Daniels.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 because they're fielding the league's second-best scoring defense (14.3/game). They’re also running the football effectively at a ninth-best 131.5 ground yards per contest. The passing attack has come nowhere near matching that production. They're averaging a 28th-ranked 166.8 air yards per outing.
No. 1 receiver George Pickens has been inconsistent and appears discontent with his involvement in the offense. Van Jefferson has been among the worst separators in the league. Rookie wideout Roman Wilson finally made his debut in Week 6 after missing the first five contests through injury. Justin Fields or Russell Wilson need more weapons at their disposal. Williams could help offensive coordinator Arthur Smith threaten opposing secondaries.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has installed a run-heavy offense. On the back of a J.K. Dobbins resurgence, the Chargers currently rank 10th in the league in rushing, producing 127.8 yards per contest. Quarterback Justin Herbert is overseeing a passing offense that's attempted an NFL-low 127 passes.
Harbaugh and Herbert will be forced to open up the playbook at some point. Rookie second-round selection Ladd McConkey leads the offense in receiving yards and sophomore wideout Quentin Johnston has been impressive in spurts. Neither player is averaging even 12 yards per catch, and a take-the-top-off threat could create additional room to operate underneath the coverage.
Harbaugh believes in playing smash-mouth football, but a vertical player like Williams returning could have a positive impact on all facets of the offense.
