The wide-receiver-needy New York Jets just picked up a massive weapon for its ranks, signing star pass-catcher Mike Williams to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, per multiple reports Tuesday.
Williams, 29, was released by the Los Angeles Chargers last week to become a free agent where he scheduled visits with the Jets along with the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
A No. 7 overall pick of the 2017 draft out of Clemson, he was limited to just 19 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown in three games before tearing his ACL When healthy, he’s one of the top big-play-making receivers in the game.
From 2018 to 2022, he posted 17-game averages of 63 receptions for 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns. That included a 2019 campaign in which he led the NFL with 20.4 average yards per reception.
At 6-foor-4, 218 pounds, he is a relentless outside, downfield threat that now provides a star second option behind the young Garrett Wilson, who has two 1,000-plus-yard seasons in as many years in the pros.
More importantly, it gives veteran quarterback and future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers a game-breaking option to work with after his debut season with the Jets in 2023 was limited to just four snaps because of a torn Achilles.
The aggressive offseason from general manager Joe Douglas continues. He has already addressed the porous offensive line that led to the downfall of New York’s 2023 season by bringing back Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith. He also brought in a more proven backup quarterback in former Giant, Tyrod Taylor.
With the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets now have the flexibility to address key depth roles — whether that is bringing on an offensive tackle to develop under Smith and Moses or a third high-upside wide receiver like Washington’s Rome Odunze.
