EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 24: Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets looks on against the New York Giants before a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Latest Mike Williams update makes it clear he’s played his final NY Jets game.
The NY Jets had high expectations when they signed veteran wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year, $10 million contract this past offseason. But just six weeks into the year, Williams has already seemingly played his final game as a member of the Jets.
Williams was absent from Jets practice on Wednesday due to “personal reasons.” Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich did not mention Williams’ absence when speaking to reporters earlier in the day.
This has obviously led to speculation that Williams, whose name has popped up in trade rumors following the acquisition of Davante Adams on Tuesday, is on the verge of being traded.
While Williams’ absence from practice isn’t necessarily an indication that a trade is imminent, it is a strong indication of one thing. Williams has almost definitely played his final game as a member of the Jets.
The NY Jets will trade Mike Williams
The addition of Adams has demoted Williams to the fourth wide receiver on the Jets’ depth chart. Combine that with his struggles to connect with Aaron Rodgers and it’s not a surprise to see the situation trending in this direction.
The Jets signed Williams to be a big-play vertical field-stretcher in their offense. Williams has long been one of the best contested-catch receivers in the NFL, and the expectation was that he would add a vertical element to the Jets’ offense.
But through six weeks, it’s become abundantly clear that this Jets offense doesn’t have a role for Williams. The former Chargers standout has been targeted occasionally in 50/50 situations, but this Jets offense is predicated on the short passing game. They lack verticality, which has limited Williams’ effectiveness.
On top of that, he’s struggled to get on the same page with Rodgers and is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Williams just hasn’t been the playmaker the Jets hoped he would be, and he would likely be more effective on another team.
The Jets seem to know trading Williams is simply a formality at this point. They will continue to hold him out of practice (likely a mutual decision) until they find a trade partner. He will likely be a healthy scratch on Sunday if he’s not traded by then.
