New York Jets' Mike Williams Sees Parallels Between Garrett Wilson and Keenan Allen

Mike Williams appears to have a new running mate at receiver after joining the New York Jets. How do Garrett Wilson and Keenan Allen compare?

Nov 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) and wide / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets receiver Mike Williams has played alongside another star receiver for his entire career, and he doesn't see that changing as he joins his new team.

Over his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams played alongside Keenan Allen, who earned six Pro Bowl selections during their partnership. Now with the Jets, Williams will play opposite 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. While Wilson has been a victim of poor quarterback play, he has still put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to start his career.

Nov 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) and wide / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In fact, Williams can see the similarities between Allen and Wilson, and said those similarities played a large part in his decision to come to New York.

“I just felt like it was a great fit for me,” Williams told reporters. “Aaron [Rodgers], I want to be able to play with him. Pick his brain, learn from him. Playing alongside Garrett, kinda reminds me of Keenan a little bit. Similar style play, great route runners and I feel like we can complement each other in that area. The running game is pretty good, defense is elite so I just feel like we have a pretty good opportunity in front of us.”

WR Mike Williams on why he chose the Jets in free agency. pic.twitter.com/PGKLoisoKy

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 20, 2024

In signing Williams, the Jets gave Wilson some much-needed help at the position. After Wilson, their leading wide receiver was Allen Lazard with just 311 yards, and they're already trying to trade him just one season after signing him to a four-year, $44 million deal. Tight end Tyler Conklin and running back Breece Hall helped pick up the slack in the passing game, but having only one viable wideout was simply not acceptable.

It's also possible New York adds a pass-catcher during the NFL Draft, where they'll likely have the opportunity to pick one of LSU's Malik Nabers, Washington's Rome Odunze, or Georgia's Brock Bowers with the No. 10 pick.

If Rodgers can stay healthy this season, the Jets offense could prove dangerous with a four-time MVP quarterback and two quality receivers.