New York Jets' Mike Williams Ranked 'Smartest' Free Agent Signing?

The New York Jets needed help at receiver, which they found in the form of Mike Williams. How did the contract fare compare to the league's best moves?

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has long been adamant about his strategy in free agency. He’ll search for upgrades at his price, and if the talents cost too much, he’ll let another team deal with the consequences.

It has come back to burn him on multiple occasions, and it drove fans crazy in the opening hours of the legal tampering period. Three weeks later, the Jets look like winners of the offseason, and Douglas’ brand of discount shopping has landed him legitimate upgrades across the offense.

Signing left tackle Tyron Smith – and ensuring the Dallas Cowboys didn’t – got the most attention, but New York was shrewd across the board in its attempt to gear up for a deep playoff run.

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets also needed help along the boundary and addressed the weakness by signing former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal. According to CBS Sports, it was one of the five smartest signings of the offseason.

“The Jets added four void years to this contract, which is why Williams has a cap number of $2.724 million for 2024,” Jeff Kerr wrote. “Williams is averaging 15.6 yards per catch since his rookie year in 2017, trailing only A.J. Brown amongst receivers (minimum 500 targets).”

Williams’ deal, worth $10 million, makes him the 29th most expensive receiver in the league. He’ll play opposite Garrett Wilson and be the team’s primary deep threat. While his speed and raw separation skills aren’t imposing, his 6-4 frame and ability to win above the rim has helped him make a career out of splash plays.

The biggest concern with Williams is the injury history that dampened his market and likely played a role in his Chargers departure. He’s coming off an ACL tear – though he’s expected back for Week 1 – and has essentially never been able to stay healthy as a professional.

As such, New York should continue to add to its group of pass catchers, both in free agency and the NFL Draft.

While he’s on the field, though, Williams projects as a strong addition to the Jets offense. Having average bodies around Wilson would have made life easier for the star receiver in 2023. With upgrades alongside him and at quarterback, the key to New York’s offense – getting Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall the room to make plays – should come quicker.

“If Williams is fully recovered, the Jets are getting a deep threat in an offense full of playmakers,” Kerr said. “Williams could be in line for a 1,000-yard season at a discounted rate.”