Mike Williams may be on the verge of leaving the Jets as the team plans to explore trade options for the veteran wide receiver. This development follows the recent acquisition of star receiver Davante Adams, as reported by NBC Sports’ Mike Florio.
With Adams joining the squad, Williams finds himself in a competitive wide receiver lineup. The expected tandem of Garrett Wilson and Adams is anticipated to create a potent offensive duo, with Allen Lazard likely filling the third receiver role as a preferred target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Williams, who is recovering from a torn ACL, has reportedly fallen out of favor with Rodgers after an incident in the Jets’ recent loss to the Bills. During the game-ending interception, Williams allegedly misran his route, leading to a critical turnover. With just over two minutes left, Williams slipped while trying to catch a deep pass, allowing Taron Johnson to intercept the throw.
Post-game, Rodgers discussed the play, indicating Williams was at fault for not executing the correct route. “There’s two verticals, Allen (Lazard)’s down the seam, and Mike’s down the red line,” Rodgers explained. “When I peak my eyes back there, Mike’s running an ‘in-breaker’… it’s gotta be down the red line.”
Since joining the Jets after seven seasons with the Chargers, Williams has struggled to establish chemistry with Rodgers, recording only 10 receptions for 145 yards. In the recent game against the Bills, he failed to secure a single catch on three targets, a sharp decline from his previous performance where he registered at least 43 receptions each season during his last five years in Los Angeles.
The Jets signed Williams to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $15 million in the offseason, but his future with the team now appears uncertain.