Steelers Grade the Trade: Pittsburgh lands Mike Williams at wide receiver

It has finally happened! The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally gotten a trade across the finish line. After months of speculation that have spanned back to this past offseason, Pittsburgh was finally able to land a wide receiver in a trade.

Mike Williams will be joining the black and gold in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft. It might not be the perfect trade piece, but it is better than nothing.

Everyone wants to land a big fish before the NFL trade deadline passes. Even though Omar Khan wasn't able to get someone on the same level as Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams, he was able to provide a potential upgrade to his team.

The worst-case scenario is that Williams provides reliable depth at the receiver spot as George Pickens and Calvin Austin III emerge as a solid duo.

READ MORE: Steelers make underwhelming deadline trade for WR

It has been one bad thing after another for Williams during his time with the Jets. He wasn't a trusted weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and that seemed to take him out of the Jets offense, especially after they landed Adams earlier this season.

Pittsburgh is a better team as a result of this deal, but it wasn't the one they originally set out for. They needed to get something done and that is what they accomplished.

Steelers acquire Jets Mike Williams at a cheap price in latest trade

Perhaps the best thing to come out of this trade is that there is no need for any more speculation. No new names need to be thrown at the dartboard hoping one will land with the Steelers.

They have finally landed the receiver they wanted since this past offseason. His stock could not be much lower than it is right now. He has a lot to play for if he wants to get paid this upcoming offseason.

Williams is a proven receiver who has been a solid starter in the past. His years with the Chargers produced quality numbers. His biggest problem has always been his health.

He suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023, and that might be slowing him down this year. Williams is a contested catch receiver who should fit into what Russell Wilson is always looking for down the field.

Trade grade: C+

Not going to lie, this trade is kind of a dud for the Steelers on the surface. That could always change depending on how Williams performs for Pittsburgh.

He is having the worst season of his career to this point, but the hope is that he can change that with a new environment. A new leadership group could go a long way, and the change of quarterback types could help Williams turn things around.

Fans wanted a big splash before the trade deadline passed, but Pittsburgh wasn't able to pull that off. Landing Williams after being rumored to be going after stars like Aiyuk and Adams only brings this one down some more.

The fifth-round pick isn't an expensive price, but the return of Williams brings some concern. This is a boom or bust trade for the Steelers when they needed a confident answer.