After missing out on Davante Adams, the Pittsburgh Steelers are now considering Mike Williams of the New York Jets as they look to bolster their wide receiver corps before the trade deadline.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Steelers have shown interest in trading for Williams, as they have been actively searching for a new wideout since the offseason. Adam Schefter from ESPN later noted that both teams have agreed to pause discussions until after their matchup on Sunday Night Football in Week 7.
Pittsburgh had also shown significant interest in trading for Brandon Aiyuk before the season began, having reportedly reached an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers. However, Aiyuk declined the trade and ultimately re-signed with San Francisco.
The Jets’ recent trade for Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders has sparked immediate speculation about Mike Williams’ future in New York.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Thursday that the Steelers were among several teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints, that contacted the Jets regarding Williams.
This comes on the heels of Aaron Rodgers publicly criticizing Williams for his route on the final offensive play that led to an interception in Monday’s 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Williams told reporters on Friday that he met with Aaron Rodgers earlier in the week to discuss the criticism and emphasized that he wasn’t upset by the quarterback’s comments.
With Adams making his Jets debut against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, all eyes will be on how many snaps Williams will play, especially since he is also set to participate in the primetime game.
The Steelers are looking for a boost for their offense, which may explain head coach Mike Tomlin’s hints about potentially changing quarterbacks from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson for the matchup against the Jets.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Wilson is expected to start and take most of the snaps, though Fields will also have a role.
So far this season, George Pickens is the only pass-catcher in Pittsburgh with over 200 receiving yards. He and Calvin Austin are the only players among their top eight pass-catchers averaging more than 10 yards per reception.
Williams, who signed a one-year deal with the Jets in free agency, has recorded 10 catches for 145 yards in six games this season.
The NFL trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on November 5, which falls between Weeks 9 and 10 of the regular season.
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