The Pittsburgh Steelers need to improve their offense this offseason, and one move they made before the trade deadline did not end up how they thought it would.
Before the trade deadline, the Steelers traded the New York Jets a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for wide receiver Mike Williams. After spending the seven seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams signed a one-year deal with the Jets for $10 million.
Williams had a lot of success with the Chargers but only played in three games in his final season with the team due to a torn ACL. Before being traded to the Steelers midseason, he had 12 catches for 166 receiving yards on 21 targets. The veteran receiver made his presence known early, scoring a game-winning touchdown in his first game with Pittsburgh but only had eight more catches across eight games.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo predicted that the Steelers would let Williams walk in the offseason.
“Williams had nine catches in nine games after being acquired at the trade deadline,” Fittipaldo said. “For whatever reason, it didn’t work. The Steelers need young playmakers, not ones whose best days are behind them. Decision: Let him walk.”
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The Steelers offense struggled toward the end of the season, yet Williams made minimal contributions aside from a 37-yard catch in the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Behind star receiver George Pickens, Pittsburgh only had one wide receiver surpass 500 yards. An overhaul for the Steelers receiving core may be needed for next season.
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