The New York Jets are in a tough spot. With a record of 2-6, they are likely to miss the playoffs. And while there is always a chance they could make a run, it seems more likely that they will be sellers at the trade deadline. One player who could be on the move is wide receiver Mike Williams.
Williams was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason. But he has not lived up to expectations. He has been a bit of a disappointment after his big contract and has struggled to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets also drafted wide receiver Davante Adams earlier this season, who has become the team's new number one receiver. That has pushed Williams down to the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart.
The Jets have been shopping Williams around for some time, but they haven't found a trade partner yet. That could change before the deadline though, as teams are always looking for ways to improve their rosters.
Why the Jets Might Trade Williams
The Jets are in a tough spot. They have a lot of talent on their roster, but they haven't been able to put it all together. They have been inconsistent this season, and their defense has struggled. They aren't a good team and are only going to get worse if they keep Williams.
If the Jets are serious about rebuilding, they need to move on from players who aren't part of their long-term plans. Williams fits that bill. He's a talented player, but he's not a long-term fit for this team.
The Jets could get some valuable draft picks in return for Williams. That would help them build for the future and start the rebuilding process.
Why the Jets Might Not Trade Williams
The Jets could also decide to keep Williams. He's a valuable player who could help them make a run for the playoffs. He's still young and has a lot of potential. If the Jets can get Williams back on track, he could be a key piece to their offense.
The Jets might not get the right offer for Williams. They might not be willing to trade him for anything less than a first-round pick. It's possible that no teams are willing to meet their asking price.
Potential Landing Spots
There are several teams that could be interested in trading for Williams. Here are a few of the most likely landing spots:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in desperate need of wide receiver help after losing Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to injuries. Williams could be a good fit for their offense, as he is a big, physical receiver who can win jump balls.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have a lot of young talent on their offense, but they need a veteran receiver to help them take the next step. Williams could be a good mentor for their young receivers, and he could also make a significant impact on the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a good defense, but they have struggled to score points. Williams could be a big addition to their offense, as he would give them a big target to throw to.
What Happens Next
The Jets will likely make a decision on Williams' future before the trade deadline. If they decide to trade him, they'll have no shortage of suitors. If they decide to keep him, they'll be hoping that he can turn his season around.
Either way, the next few weeks will be interesting for Mike Williams.
Williams' Value Is In Doubt
There is a lot of talk about teams being interested in Williams, but the reality is that there isn't a lot of demand for him in the league right now.
This is because he hasn't played well and the Jets are in rebuilding mode, and teams know that. That means the Jets aren't going to get a lot of value for him in a trade.
The Jets aren't going to get a first-round pick for Williams. In fact, they might be lucky to get a second-round pick. The Jets are in a difficult spot, as they need to get something back for Williams if they want to trade him.
The Jets Could Keep Williams
It is also possible that the Jets could keep Williams for the rest of the season.
If the Jets are in the hunt for a playoff spot, they could keep Williams to give their offense a boost. Williams is a good receiver, and he could still help the team.
But even if the Jets keep Williams, he doesn't have a long-term future in New York.
Conclusion: What Happens Next for Mike Williams
Mike Williams is a talented player. However, he has not played well since his ACL injury. Teams are still interested in acquiring him because he's a talented player. The Jets could trade Williams before the deadline, but they could also keep him.
Ultimately, the Jets are likely to do whatever is in the best interest of the team. That could mean trading Williams or keeping him, but either way, it's likely that his future will be decided in the next few weeks.
We'll see what happens.