On Tuesday, the New York Jets made a significant move by signing former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract that could potentially be valued at up to $15 million. With quarterback
Aaron Rodgers at 40 years old, the focus is on immediate needs rather than building for the future. General manager Joe Douglas, prompted by recent directives from owner Woody Johnson, is addressing roster gaps by bringing in established players whose free agency values were diminished due to concerns about their durability.
This approach led to the acquisition of Tyron Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle aged 33, who agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with additional incentives of up to $13.5 million. Similarly, the signing of Williams, aged 29, who underwent left ACL surgery six months ago, likely includes significant playing-time incentives in his deal.
The hope is that Williams and Smith can defy age and injury to return to their previous form, combining with a potentially healthy Rodgers to move past the struggles of the previous season.
The Jets, who saw Rodgers sidelined after just four plays due to a left Achilles injury, finished the last season ranked 29th in scoring and 31st in total yards.
Their offensive strategy primarily revolved around a backup quarterback (take your pick from the roster) either targeting wide receiver Garrett Wilson or resorting to short checkdown passes to running back Breece Hall.
However, they were in dire need of another offensive weapon to alleviate the pressure on Wilson. This quest led them to Williams, whose imposing stature at 6-foot-4 and knack for winning contested catches should complement Wilson’s speed and elusiveness nicely.
Reflecting on the team’s receiving corps, Wilson commented after the season, “We have some talented young players and seasoned veterans in our receiver room. However, adding someone with a different skill set that presents a new challenge for opposing defenses would benefit us all, not just me.”
Wilson’s diplomatic tone aside, the reality was that the Jets’ receiver room was fraught with uncertainties, none more glaring than Allen Lazard’s situation.
Lazard found himself relegated to the bench despite signing a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract in free agency. This misstep forced Douglas to reenter the market in pursuit of Williams.
An AFC personnel director commented, “If healthy, he’s a starter, but more of a No. 2. It seems like a solid move for the Jets — if he’s healthy.”
Williams’ recent injury history is cause for concern, having missed 18 games over the past two seasons, including the Chargers’ playoff loss in 2022. His statistical output in 2022 was average, with 63 catches, 895 yards, and four touchdowns.
He hasn’t showcased the same impact since his standout 2021 season, where he recorded career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146).
While it may be a stretch to expect him to return to that level of performance after three years and surgery, the Jets don’t necessarily require him to be the standout player. With Wilson and Hall shouldering the spotlight, they need Williams to fulfill a complementary role, providing reliability for Rodgers.