Jets Sign Mike Williams, Bolster Offensive Weapons For Aaron Rodgers

General manager Joe Douglas hasn't been afraid to swing big with top free agents this offseason. His latest move might be the most impactful to the 2024 roster.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas knew that for the organization to succeed in 2024, he would have to make substantial moves to improve his mediocre offense. 

The return of Aaron Rodgers from an Achilles injury was just the tip of the iceberg. New York would have to find players that could turn one of the worst overall groups in 2023 into one that would be feared in the new year. 

His latest move certainly accomplishes that. 

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The Jets and former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams agreed to terms on a one-year, $15 million free-agent contract.

Williams was a former top-10 overall pick for the Chargers in the 2017 draft and recorded 309 catches for 4,806 yards, and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons catching passes for the likes of Phillip Rivers and Justin Herbert. Williams has never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, but his deep-threat ability as a 6-4 burner made him one of the more dangerous players on a lethal offense. 

The downside to the 29-year-old is his injury history. Williams has never played in a full season before and is coming off a torn ACL suffered early in the 2023 campaign. 

It's unclear if the Jets would be able to have Williams start the season on the field. 

Before the offseason began, though, New York understood they would need to address the wide receiver market. Outside of former Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, no receiver managed to record over 400 yards through the air or over 40 catches. Williams will bring a level of talent that the Jets have not been able to have in terms of depth at the position. 

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Williams had scheduled visits with the Panthers and Steelers expected later in the week. 

The allure of playing with a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers seemed too much for Williams to pass up, though. 

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