Despite weeks of trade speculation, Mike Williams may end up staying with the New York Jets.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league sources suggest the Jets might retain the veteran wide receiver past the trade deadline.
For nearly a month, the Jets have been linked to a potential Williams trade, with rumors intensifying after they acquired All-Pro receiver Davante Adams.
Williams played only 19 snaps during Adams’ team debut in Week 7, signaling that the offseason addition was seemingly on the sidelines.
However, the situation shifted quickly. Allen Lazard’s injury landed him on IR, resulting in Williams logging the third-most snaps among receivers (behind Adams and Garrett Wilson) in the past two games.
While this increase in playing time hasn’t translated into more production—Williams has only a single catch over those games—the Jets are clearly still comfortable deploying him.
Fowler notes that Williams’ future might hinge on the development of the team’s other wide receivers.
Xavier Gipson has had an inconsistent role in his second year, and Malachi Corley recently drew attention for a dropped touchdown.
The team could also consider elevating Jason Brownlee from the practice squad, who stood out during the 2023 training camp.
Ultimately, Williams’ roster spot will also depend on the interest of other teams.
The 30-year-old has drawn attention from the Steelers, Saints, and Chargers, and while the Jets face a difficult road to the playoffs, they aren’t inclined to part with the veteran cheaply.
With only $2.3 million left on his contract, Williams is affordable, which could sway the Jets to hold onto him despite his limited output.
