**Jets Trade Receiver Mike Williams to Steelers for 2025 Draft Pick**

In a strategic move ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the New York Jets have sent wide receiver Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The transaction, finalized on Tuesday, will see the Jets receive a fifth-round draft pick for 2025 in return. This trade comes as no surprise given the Jets' recent acquisition of star receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders, which pushed Williams down the pecking order.

Mike Williams joined the Jets as a free agent during the offseason and managed to return to play amidst a knee injury. However, his future with the team seemed uncertain the moment Adams, a favorite target and close friend of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, entered the scene. Predictably, Williams' playing time and importance to the team diminished shortly after Adams' arrival.

The Steelers have been actively seeking to bolster their receiving corps for several months. They previously eyed San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk and Jacksonville's Christian Kirk, both unavailable due to significant injuries. The Steelers had closely analyzed Williams during their game against the Jets two weeks ago in Pittsburgh, leading to discussions that ultimately culminated in Tuesday’s trade.

According to reports, the Steelers will absorb the remainder of Williams' contract for the season. Williams' tenure with the Jets was brief and not particularly noteworthy, logging only 12 receptions over nine games, although he did maintain an average of 13.8 yards per catch. His lowest moment came in a game against the Bills, where a miscommunication with Rodgers resulted in a costly interception.

Despite the trade, Rodgers expressed support for Williams, highlighting his hard work in recovering from an ACL injury and suggesting the move could provide more opportunities for the receiver. The Jets will now proceed with Garrett Wilson, Adams, Xavier Gipson, and rookie Malachi Corley, with Allen Lazard on the injured reserve with a chest injury but hopeful for a return.

Williams, now part of the Steelers, joins a receiving lineup that includes Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Van Jefferson, potentially giving him a fresh start and an opportunity to make a more significant impact for the remainder of the season.