Steelers wide receiver 'upgrade' at trade deadline is turning out to be a dud

Pittsburgh traded for Mike Williams from the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. It happened on November 5, so he has had plenty of time to acclimate to his new surroundings. It seemed like a move the Steelers had to make before the trade deadline passed. They couldn't seem to get any serious negotiations going in their attempts to acquire a top talent at receiver.

They decided to acquire Williams to hopefully provide an upgrade at receiver but also show good faith to the team. At that point, the black and gold were finding ways to win football games. They were missing a legit starter opposite George Pickens. The hope was that Williams would join the team and provide that upgrade they had been searching for. That has not been able to come to fruition.

During his short stint with the Jets this year, Williams had a tough go of things. He was coming off a season-ending injury from the prior season, and he seemed to struggle in his new environment. Aaron Rodgers openly called him out, but to Williams's credit, he didn't complain. He works hard and continues to grind no matter what his role might be within the club.

Mike Williams trade to the Steelers has quickly become a non-factor

At first, it seemed like Williams might make an immediate impact on the Steelers offense. Russell Wilson loves to throw deep shots downfield, and in theory, that should blend well with the type of player Williams is. He is a big target who can catch jump balls. Sadly, for one reason or another, those types of plays are something the black and gold have refused to try right now.

He was able to score a touchdown on his only target as a member of the Steelers in his first game against the Commanders. It was an impressive play, but things have only soured from there. There is no way this all falls on Williams's shoulders. Yes, he might be struggling to catch onto the playbook possibly, but the coaching staff can find different ways to make him effective in simplified situations.

READ MORE: Ex-Steelers star wide receiver already in the doghouse

Since this former star receiver is a pending free agent once this season concludes, both parties would love for him to catch fire. He wants to get paid a nice contract, and the Steelers would benefit from having him emerge from the bench. These last five games will be telling not only for the future of both parties but the possibility of Williams having a quality shot at being a starter next year.

Right now, things look bleak about the prospects of this trade turning out to be a success. The black and gold only gave up a middle-round draft selection, but still, you would like to see more from Williams.

Hopefully, Arthur Smith and company can find different ways for Wilson to distribute the ball to the veteran presence. If they can't solve this issue, then it could hinder their offense down the line.