Steelers showing interest in trade for $10 million wide receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the market for a wide receiver ever since they traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, and after striking out on two different players, Pittsburgh now has its eyes on another wide receiver.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , the Steelers have "shown interest" in New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, who the team recently made available in the wake of the trade for Davante Adams.

Coincidentally, Adams will make his debut against the Steelers this week, and Williams is expected to be on the field, too.

“Meanwhile, the Steelers have shown interest in a potential trade for Jets receiver Mike Williams, who is on the block," Fowler reported. "Williams is open to finding a new home before the deadline, and Pittsburgh has basically scoured the Earth for receiver help in recent months. Any possible deal would have to wait until next week, due to the head-to-head matchup.”

While Williams wouldn't be the flashy name that Adams or San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are, he would still amount to an upgrade for the Steelers, who lack reliable options behind George Pickens.

Williams has tallied 1,000 yards twice during his career, including a career-best 1,146 in 2021. However, injuries have been an issue for the 30-year-old, who is coming off a torn ACL last season. That said, Williams is on a one-year, $10 million contract, so there's no future risk involved.

Thus far through six games, Williams has just 10 receptions for 145 yards. That would rank third among Steelers wide receivers currently.

As far as trade compensation is concerned, Williams should only cost a Day 3 pick, and no higher than a fifth-round selection at that. The Steelers should obviously be aiming higher than Williams to upgrade their wide receivers room, but if all else fails, Williams wouldn't be a bad fallback option.