TV Analyst Endorses Jets' Interest in Free-Agent Receiver: 'Gonna Cause Problems!'

The New York Jets upgraded their offensive line and now look to the receiving corps, hosting a visit with Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has temporarily quieted the crowd calling for his job.

The Jets were quiet in the first few hours of the legal tampering period, forcing fans to question his urgency ahead of a playoffs-or-bust season and how much trust he’s earned without a modicum of success. However, in a matter of days he secured the team’s biggest weakness – the offensive line – and re-established hope that New York can compete with this roster.

Yet, there’s still work to be done. The search for a second (and third) quality receiver may take until April’s NFL Draft is complete. But if Douglas is going to keep the heat off of him, acquiring a legitimate talent at receiver, whether it be through a trade or a signing, is in his best interest.

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is tackled behind the line by Tennessee Titans cornerback Tre Avery (23) during the first half at Nissan Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, rumors about recently released Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams have spread, with the team scheduled to meet with the big-bodied target. While not a superstar worthy of trading significant capital for, Williams has the support of the fanbase, including Fox Sports 1’s Craig Carton, who showed his support on “The Carton Show.”

“We’re running it back boys, and we now have Aaron Rodgers healthy, I have three new offensive linemen,” Carton began. “And again, Mike Williams is more name than substance, because he gets hurt a lot. But if I can add Mike Williams on the right kind of deal, then you have an offense that may not be as good as their defense, but an offense that’s gonna cause problems.

“You’ve got a badass running back in Breece Hall, a badass wide receiver in Garrett Wilson. I got three-fifths of my offensive line brand new and better than the guys that they’re replacing. I’ve got a top-five defense.”

There’s certainly more to be excited about than there was this time last week. Left tackle Tyron Smith is a future Hall of Famer who – despite durability issues – has remained dominant while on the field. Right tackle Morgan Moses projects to be a significant upgrade to the right side, and his cap hit combines with new right guard John Simpson to be less than former left guard Laken Tomlinson’s.

Williams would be a field stretcher who Rodgers can trust to win 50/50 balls frequently. Despite missing 14 games after a torn ACL in 2023, Williams has 31 receiving touchdowns to his name in 88 games. He had posted 19 catches for 249 yards and a score in his abbreviated 2023.

A concern with Williams is his injury history, especially as he enters his age-30 season. But even that may be overstated. Before last season, he had missed five of 34 games from 2021 to 2022 and just two in the two seasons prior. That’s more playing time than, say, Keenan Allen, his former teammate who was traded to the Chicago Bears.

Williams fits the mold as a boundary receiver opposite Wilson. He may not dictate coverage in the way a true star will, but he’d provide the Jets with above-average play and flexibility in the draft, something Douglas has cherished over the years.

“My concern, honestly, is my coaching staff good enough to get the best out of those guys to help me win. … I now have the talent where I can win, and that’s all I’ve ever asked for,” Carton said. “Give me talent and let’s see if we can win.”

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A hypothetical short-term deal for Williams would indicate New York is pushing the chips in for a shot at a Super Bowl title. Given Rodgers’ age and injury history – and Douglas’ job security fading – it’s the type of signing that all involved can get behind.

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