Let’s say you really love candy bars. You and your siblings had a great night of trick or treating and everyone piles their candy onto the table. You see three, maybe four of your all-time favorites among the pile (full-size too). Unfortunately, they all go to your brothers and sisters and you’re stuck with the Heath bar. Mike Williams is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ version of a Heath bar.
I mean no disrespect to Williams but considering the other receivers who have changed teams AND the price paid to get them? Omar Khan just got stuck with what was left in the pile and gave away a fifth round pick in the process. If nothing else, Khan can now say he “did something” by addressing the number two wide receiver spot. The reality is that Khan just couldn’t get the guy he wanted. Who that is, is unknown. There were flirtations with Christian Kirk and Davante Adams, but those guys were scooped up quickly and likely by teams making better offers.
Williams 2024 Stats
12 Receptions 166 yards
23 Targets
6.7 Yards per Reception
Williams Career Stats
321 Receptions 4972 yards, 31 TDs
533 Targets
15.5 Yards per Reception
Do I think Williams makes the receiving room better? No doubt, but there’s also an injury history and he’s nothing more than a rental for the final nine games. How many of those will he actually suit up for considering he needs to learn a brand new offense? Overall, I’m glad Khan was able to get something done. Williams wasn’t the best option from the start and wasn’t the best option even just hours before the deadline.
But… the overall position has improved as long as he stays healthy. He suffered a torn ACL in week three of last season and there are many who believe he’s still not fully back from that. I’m of the opinion that Williams is what he is. I think giving up any draft pick for a rental player is always questionable but so too is anyone who would eat a Heath bar.
