Steelers line up free agent weapon for Wilson but face Jets battle

19 March 2024 , 02:00

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Russell Wilson is on the third team of his NFL career (Image: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing up star wide receiver Mike Williams as a potential new teammate for quarterback Russell Wilson. The team is in need of more receivers after trading Diontae Johnson, leaving George Pickens as the only well-known starter.

Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson in a rare player-for-player trade, which helped the Steelers save some money. Even though losing Johnson might hurt the team, Williams could be a great replacement and might even work better with the new quarterback.

Wilson has shown he works well with bigger receivers like DK Metcalf, Jimmy Graham and Courtland Sutton, and Williams fits this description. But the Steelers aren't the only ones interested in Williams - the New York Jets are also reportedly keen to chat with him about joining their team.

The Jets have made some great moves this offseason, strengthening their offensive line with two new tackles, Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, and adding John Simpson in the middle. This could realistically take the team from having one of the worst lines in the league to one of the best.

After missing quarterback Aaron Rodgers for almost all of last season due to his Achilles tendon tear, Williams might choose to sign with the Jets and become the second receiver behind rising star Garrett Wilson, reports the Mirror US.

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Williams was let go by the Los Angeles Chargers as he had a salary cap hit of $20 million. The team could let him go without any dead cap hit and use the money elsewhere.

Mike Williams is set to visit the Pittsbugh Steelers (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

However, the team are reportedly interested in bringing him back, and now have the cap space to do so after reworking contracts for pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Williams is unlikely to get a contract close to that salary, after failing to reach 1,000 yards since 2021 and only doing so twice in his career.

The 29 year old is set to visit the Steelers first, then the Jets and possibly the Panthers - where he will then likely report back to the Chargers to see if they are willing to offer him a new deal.

S P Jones