The New York Jets know that they do not have a wide-open window in which to compete for and [hopefully] win a Super Bowl. Four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers is entering his age 41 season and is coming off of a torn Achilles in 2023. While the future Hall of Fame quarterback expects himself to play at a high level, whether or not he is able to do so remains to be seen.
Due to their narrow window of opportunity, the Jets set about their offseason on a mission to surround Rodgers with the best talent they could find. Protecting him from fierce NFL defenses was a high priority as New York’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season.
So general manager Joe Douglas went out and signed eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys. He also used his first-round pick on tackle Olu Fashanu in order to ensure quality depth and a long-term future at the position.
And, of course, the Jets went out and got Rodgers some help in the passing game.
The New York Jets Signed Wide Receiver Mike Williams in Free Agency
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams
Nov 22, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) catches a pass against New York Jets cornerback Arthur Maulet (23) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Jets’ biggest moves of the offseason was to sign wide receiver Mike Williams. The Los Angeles Chargers had previously drafted Williams with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
After a forgettable rookie season, Williams had 43 receptions for 664 yards and an impressive 10 touchdowns in 2018. The next year, he led the NFL in yards per reception (20.4) while hauling in 49 passes for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns.
Two seasons later, in 2021, Williams had what could be considered his best season in the NFL, setting career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146) while also catching nine touchdowns.
Last season, unfortunately, Williams was limited to just three games after tearing his ACL. Due to his injury, his contract with New York is heavily incentivized and he has not been able to practice with the team up to this point.
But that will change soon.
The New York Jets Activated Wide Receiver Mike Williams from the PUP List
New York Jets, Mike Williams
Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Due to his rehab, Williams started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. On Wednesday, though, the team announced that he was being activated off of that list:
“The Jets activated WR Mike Williams from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after he passed his physical.”
Williams will be a welcome addition to a pass catching group that failed to perform up to expectations last season. While Garrett Wilson had 95 receptions for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns, the pass catchers that New York brought in along with Rodgers did not come close to being reliable contributors.
Randall Cobb had five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown all season long. He is now an analyst for the SEC Network.
Allen Lazard had 23 receptions for 311 yards and a touchdown in what was his worst professional season. He is still on the team because of all the money he is owed yet on his $44 million contract. Hopefully having Rodgers back will help him be closer to the kind of player that he was when the two played together on the Green Bay Packers.
Leave a Reply