Steelers make big trade for Mike Williams: Full details and grade

With just hours to go until the sun had set on the 2024 NFL trade deadline, the Steelers pulled the trigger on a deal that will bring Jets' wide receiver Mike Williams to Pittsburgh. This wasn't the blockbuster move fans were banging the table for, but Williams adds depth to one of the weaker WR rooms in the NFL.

Despite signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Jets during the 2024 offseason, Williams fell out of favor with Aaron Rodgers quickly on his new team. Entering Week 10, Williams caught just 12 of 21 targets for 166 yards while failing to secure a touchdown.

Since Week 5, Williams has two receptions for 21 yards and his role has diminished to almost nothing after the Jets traded for All-Pro wide-out Davante Adams. Rodgers had a 43.1 passer rating when throwing to Williams through the first half of the season.

Steelers trade grade: D+

As much as we all wanted the Pittsburgh Steelers to make a trade for a starting-caliber wide receiver before the NFL deadline, this one is hard to get excited about.

After suffering an ACL injury that ended his 2023 campaign after just three games, Williams appears to be zapped of the explosion he once had. This has resulted in a career-low 2.0 yards after the catch per reception on the season.

Pro Football Focus wasn't a fan of Williams either. The veteran wide receiver currently ranks 108th out of 130 qualifying WRs in overall grade entering Week 10, and Williams has struggled both creating space and as a blocker in the run game.

While there is some optimism that Williams could find new life with a fresh start in Pittsburgh, he's not guaranteed to show improvement with Russell Wilson at the helm and Arthur Smith calling the offense. Williams' presence on the field means we will see less of Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson -- two receivers coming off their best games as Steelers.

We'll give credit where credit is due: Williams is still a big-bodied wide receiver with ball-tracking ability and a massive catch radius. However, don't expect the addition to be a needle-moving piece for the Steelers in 2024. This was a low-upside, half-year rental trade at the cost of a fifth-round pick.