The Pittsburgh Steelers needed another wide receiver behind George Pickens ever since the team decided to trade Diontae Johnson for Donte Jackson in the 2024 offseason. Many times throughout the year, the fan base was sold on the franchise getting a star receiver like Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, or even Cooper Kupp. Instead, the Steelers traded for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams just hours before the 2024 NFL trade deadline after Week 9.
Williams, a former seventh overall draft pick, spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He quickly became a threatening play-maker and one of the best contested pass catchers in the league. Williams caught 31 touchdowns with the Chargers, 10 of which came in his second season. Williams also had two separate 1,000-yard seasons in Los Angeles before he would suffer an ACL tear in 2023 that would end his tenure with the Chargers.
Despite the Steelers having one of their best starts in recent memory at 6-2, the wide receiver issue still remained. Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have had their moments, but lack consistency. Williams' addition to the Steelers' offense should provide more problems for opposing defenses, and Pickens reminded the league of that after Friday's practice.
Pickens detailed how Williams could benefit he and the rest of the Steelers' offense moving forward in 2024.
"Just adding another big receiver," Pickens told the media. "For not only me, but Russ [Wilson] as well. It's always good having a threat on the outside, another big body like you said, that can go downfield. For a defensive coordinator, it's going to be hard for sure."
Pittsburgh's third-year wide receiver then explained how Williams can help teach he and the rest of the receiving room. Williams now enters the Steelers as the oldest and most experienced receiver on the roster.
"You know, just route depth. You know, typical receiver stuff."
More opportunities should come Pickens' way with Pittsburgh finding another receiver that opposing teams will have to worry about. Pickens only has one touchdown so far in 2024, and he'd like to change that.
The Steelers finally seem to have some flow on the offense for the first time in years. It's centered around the running game, but the receivers are going to have a big part in it, especially as the season progresses. Pittsburgh has one of the hardest remaining schedules in the league, but that's the way they like it.
Steelers' Mike Williams Set To Get First Action Against The Commanders In Week 10
Coming off of their bye week, the Steelers are going into a game in which tons of points will need to be scored. The Washington Commanders have one of the highest scoring offenses in the NFL, and Pittsburgh will need to keep up with them. Even though he'll only have a few days of practice, Williams should be getting some snaps with the offense on Sunday. The Commanders will be without star cornerback Marshon Lattimore this weekend after trading for him, making things easier for the Pittsburgh offense.
The Steelers' offense has been rolling, even without tons of wide receiver help. Williams will be a great deep ball threat for Russell Wilson in the play-action game, which is how they've effectively thrown the ball to this point.
