Jets Sign Mike Williams: AFC East Favorites?

The New York Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal, making themselves a legitimate threat for a division title that has eluded them.

The Buffalo Bills should – and presumably will – be favored to win the AFC East and secure their fifth consecutive division title.

But for the first time in New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas’ tenure, hopes of winning the division are well-founded and more than just the residual optimism of trading for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

On Tuesday, Douglas followed the best free-agent signing of his Jets career with another signing that has New York pointed in the right direction.

Dec 26, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) runs the ball while Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II (25) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams to a one-year, $15 million deal to complement star receiver Garrett Wilson on the boundary. The move checks off the box for the team’s priority needs ahead of the NFL Draft.

New York needed three new offensive lineman and a receiver that can take the pressure off Wilson. He’s not a superstar, and is likely a far cry from the top-10 selection he was in 2017, but as a big-bodied field stretcher, he fits the bill. The gap between him and other options on the open market like veteran Odell Beckham Jr. or Super Bowl champion Marques Valdez-Scantling is significant enough to demand an over pay.

At just $15 million, Douglas managed to avoid that.

As the Jets approach the draft, they’ll have the flexibility to take a third receiver, tight end Brock Bowers, or an offensive lineman to succeed either left tackle Tyron Smith or right tackle Morgan Moses – both of whom are on one-year deals. One would think this also increases the likelihood of a trade down deeper into (or out of) the first round.

Now, New York is best positioned to make a run for an AFC East title. Their free agency isn’t filled with Rodgers’ friends. A legitimate backup quarterback is in the building. The offensive line isn’t relying on two tackles hanging onto starting jobs by a thread.

Winning the offseason is something Jets fans are familiar with. But these moves have been on Douglas’ budget and offer a brand of confidence that Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb couldn’t.

Jets Sign Mike Williams, Bolster Offensive Weapons For Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers’ return was shaping up to be a challenge – navigating a crowded AFC playoff picture with a weak offensive line and a single strong receiver. Now, the veteran quarterback’s play may be the most uncertain factor on the offense.

That’s a bet Douglas is willing to make every day of the week.

---