The Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth-round pick. After several failed attempts to bolster their receiving corps, the Steelers were under pressure to land a quality wideout.
General Manager Omar Khan had explored options, eyeing high-profile targets like Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, and Christian Kirk. However, he ultimately settled on the 30-year-old, 6-foot-4 Williams, a physical receiver with the experience and playmaking skills the team desperately needs.
The urgency behind this move is clear. The Steelers have been searching for an offensive identity since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement and were hoping to build around the new quarterback, Russell Wilson.
While Pittsburgh drafted Roman Wilson in 2024, the rookie has yet to deliver the impact they envisioned. The lack of a reliable, veteran receiver left a noticeable gap, and with limited options on the market, acquiring Williams became the most viable solution to spark the offense.
With the Chiefs’ recent acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins to pair him with Patrick Mahomes, it’s evident that several teams are willing to go all-in to improve their receiving corps. But for the Steelers, the cost of acquiring Williams—a fifth-round pick and his remaining salary—was comparatively modest.
READ MORE: Updated Steelers depth chart after Mike Williams and Preston Smith trades
The Steelers will assume the rest of Williams’ one-year deal, including his $6.7 million salary and performance bonuses. While the Chiefs may be paying less for Hopkins, Kansas City’s need for a receiver was arguably more pressing than Pittsburgh’s, - making the cost for Williams reasonable.
Mike Williams will be a perfect deep threat target for Russell Wilson
Williams has consistently averaged over 12 yards per reception since entering the NFL in 2017 and has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons (2019 and 2021) to his name. His size and ability to locate the football downfield add a new dimension to the Steelers' offense.
Wilson has shown glimpses of his playmaking abilities with Pittsburgh, and the addition of Williams could be a temporary but effective move to elevate their offensive potential, giving Wilson a dependable, big-bodied target.
In the end, the Steelers didn’t overpay for Williams. His physicality and experience make him a valuable addition, and his ability to stretch the field could be what Pittsburgh’s offense needs to take the next step.
The hope is that Williams will bring stability and open up more possibilities for the Steelers as they continue to shape their offensive identity and pursue a successful season.