The New York Jets have found themselves in the market for another starter-caliber wide receiver to go with Garrett Wilson in NFL free agency.
In fact, the Jets have been linked to some big-name pass-catchers on the trade block as they look to find Aaron Rodgers more weapons.
About that? New York made an absolutely huge move on Tuesday. Multiple media reports indicate that it has signed recently-released former Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Mike Williams. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport notes that the deal is for one year at up to $15 million in cold-hard cash.
Williams, 29, was a salary cap casualty of the Chargers earlier in free agency. The former top-seven pick out of Clemson spent seven years in a Chargers uniform. He missed all but three games last season due to a torn ACL.
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Analyzing the New York Jets signing of Mike Williams in NFL free agency
Williams has dealt with his fair share of injuries since entering the league back in 2017. But when on the field, he’s proven to be extremely productive.
From 2018-22 with the Chargers, Williams recorded an average of 56 receptions for nearly 900 yards. That span saw him average a robust 16.0 yards per reception. His best performance came back in 2021 when Williams hauled in 76 passes for 1,146 yards.
This was a much-needed move for the Jets. Veteran Allen Lazard did not pan out behind Wilson last season and is reportedly on the trade block. Outside of that, there is not much to write home about at wide receiver in Jersey.
Williams will now team up with stud youngster Garrett Wilson to form a solid duo for Rodgers. Even with the Jets struggling at quarterback following Rodgers’ season-ending injury in the opener, Wilson was able to haul in 95 passes for 1,042 yards in 2023.