The New York Jets got involved in the NFL’s trade deadline frenzy by dealing wide receiver Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 fifth-round pick. It just so happens that Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was on-air with Pat McAfee when the trade news surfaced, and Rodgers provided a live reaction to the news.
Rodgers began by praising Williams as a person. The four-time MVP also showed an understanding of the difficulties Williams was going through after suffering an ACL tear in 2023.
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“Mike’s a quiet guy. Just kind of goes about his business. You know, Mike had a rough injury last year, the ACL, that’s tough to come back from. He worked his ass off all offseason, wasn’t around for a lot of training camp, he was working on the side. But I felt like he was getting better throughout the early part of the season. Felt like his speed was getting better and he was feeling more comfortable with it. That’s a tough injury. I had that injury, and it’s the mental part that takes the longest.
“Mike’s a good guy. He’ll be good in that locker room. Obviously, a lot of great veteran leaders [in Pittsburgh]. He’s had a nice career. And sometimes, a change of scenery is great for certain guys. It was great for me, it was fun to kind of get re-enthused and stuff.”
Rodgers seemed to indicate that the writing was on the wall for Williams after the team traded for Davante Adams, leaving Williams as the odd man out in the passing game.
“We kind of knew with Davante coming in that there would be less targets for everybody. Because G (Garrett Wilson) is leading the league in targets, he needs to get his targets, and Tae (Davante Adams) is a dynamic player, he’s going to get his targets. If this gives Mike more opportunities, that’s awesome. We wish Mike well.”
