The New York Jets, seeking to bolster their offensive lineup for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, reached an agreement on Tuesday to bring aboard former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
At 29 years old, Williams is set to ink a one-year deal with a potential value of up to $15 million, as per insider reports.
In their pursuit of strengthening the receiving corps alongside standout Garrett Wilson, who has achieved 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years, the Jets pursued Williams. Despite concerns about his durability, with an ACL tear sidelining him for the majority of the previous season, Williams boasts an impressive 15.8 yards per reception since 2018 among players with 200 or more catches.
Despite his recent injury setbacks, which include missing four games in 2022 along with the Chargers’ playoff match, Williams brings an imposing 6-foot-4 frame and deep-threat capability, offering a new dynamic to the Jets’ offense.
Released by the Chargers due to salary cap reasons after seven seasons, Williams was initially targeted for free agent visits by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, with the Chargers also expressing interest in retaining him.
Having enjoyed his most prolific season in 2021, recording personal bests in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146), along with nine touchdowns, Williams formed a strong connection with quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Jets view Williams as a potent asset in the red zone, excelling at contested catches, evident from his 57% catch rate on contested passes in 2022, ranking him 11th among wide receivers according to Pro Football Focus.
With Rodgers and Williams leading the charge, complemented by versatile players like Wilson and Xavier Gipson, the Jets’ receiving lineup appears promising. However, Allen Lazard’s role remains uncertain following a lackluster debut season in New York despite signing a lucrative contract. Nonetheless, Lazard, who has a history with Rodgers from their time in Green Bay, is likely to stay given his fully guaranteed $10 million salary.
Although Williams has yet to earn a Pro Bowl nod, his seven-year career boasts 309 receptions for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns, showcasing his impact on the field.
