The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their protracted search for a wide receiver by acquiring veteran Mike Williams from the New York Jets at the trade deadline in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. This acquisition enhances the position group, as Williams not only complements the current pass catchers but also possesses a skill set that aligns with the strengths of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Two Acquisitions at the Trade Deadline
Traditionally, the Steelers have emphasized the drafting and cultivation of homegrown talent; however, their actions at the trade deadline—acquiring Williams and securing pass rusher Preston Smith from the Packers—along with their March initiatives to overhaul their quarterback roster, indicate the organization is willing to deviate from tradition to terminate a playoff victory drought that has persisted since 2016.
Following an ACL tear, Williams, 30, experienced a sluggish commencement to the 2024 season, recording merely 12 receptions on 21 targets for 166 yards over nine games with the Jets. At 6 feet 4 inches and 218 pounds, Williams possesses a talent for securing jump balls and serving as a deep vertical threat, potentially completing the passing offense’s evolution under Wilson.
Since his entry into the NFL in 2017, he has been among the premier receivers in completing contested catches. He tops the league with 1,451 receiving yards on tight passes over that period, and his 82 receptions on such throws are tied for second-most, trailing only retired WR DeVante Parker’s 88, as reported by NFL Next Gen Stats.
Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL Playoff Odds
If we’re using the current AFC North odds to dictate which teams would make the playoffs, based on online sportsbook reviews involving the top bookmakers, the Steelers are currently +250 to win the AFC North.
However, we must take this with a pinch of salt because, at the time of writing, the Steelers are 1st in the AFC, and the Wild Card position the oddsmakers place them in seemingly haven’t factored in the team has just bolstered its roster with a pair of top talents.
AFC North Winner Odds:
Baltimore Ravens [-200]
Pittsburgh Steelers [+250]
Cincinnati Bengals [+800]
Cleveland Browns [+50000]
Serious AFC Contenders
There aren’t many football critics who aren’t now visualizing the Steelers as a serious playoff contender. They’re already atop the AFC North (6-2) heading into week 10, and by strategically acquiring WR Mike Williams and EDGE Preston Smith at the trade deadline, they’ve augmented their roster for the latter half of the season.
These trade maneuvers establish the Steelers as formidable rivals in the AFC, enhancing their ability to reach the postseason. Despite the players having yet to debut, their experience is anticipated to strengthen the team’s performance greatly. These signings could improve and solidify the Steelers’ performance offensively and defensively in critical matches against formidable opponents.
Of course, Williams and Smith assisting the Steelers in more success isn’t a foregone conclusion. Although the acquisitions enhance depth, the Steelers must still demonstrate their efficacy in the field. Between now and 2025, the Steelers confront a formidable schedule featuring matches against division adversaries and elite teams such as the Eagles and Eagles, which may reveal the efficacy of their restructured group.
What’s Next for the Steelers
- The Steelers open the second half with a challenging 8-game sequence, with significant contests against the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
- The club is returning off a bye week, perhaps gaining from extra rest and the assimilation of new players.
As the Steelers prepare for challenging upcoming matchups, they will seek to swiftly integrate their new acquisitions to improve their defensive and offensive strategies. Success in these games could reinforce their status as credible postseason contenders.
The Steelers, now bolstered by significant trade acquisitions, have enhanced their prospects of progressing far into the playoffs. Their performance against elite teams in the forthcoming weeks will determine their postseason credibility.