Source – Jets signing ex-Chargers WR Mike Williams to 1-year deal،
Providing quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a new pass catcher, the New York Jets agreed to terms Tuesday with former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Williams, 29, will sign a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, according to sources.
The Jets entered free agency looking to improve at the position opposite Garrett Wilson, a 1,000-yard receiver in each of his first two seasons. Since 2018, Williams leads the NFL with 15.8 yards per reception among players with at least 200 catches, but he comes in with some durability questions.
Williams tore an ACL in Week 3 of last season, causing him to miss the rest of the year. In 2022, he missed four games, plus the Chargers' playoff loss. But from 2018 to 2021, he only missed three games. The Jets are taking some risks, but they believe Williams' size (6-foot-4) and his ability to stretch the field will add a different dimension to the offense.
The Chargers cut Williams after seven seasons because his cap charge was inflated to $32.5 million. He was scheduled to make a non-guaranteed base salary of $17 million in the final year of a three-year, $60 million contract.
Williams, drafted seventh overall in 2017, was scheduled to make free agent visits to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. The Chargers have also expressed interest in bringing him back.
His best year was 2021, when he set career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146). He also scored nine touchdowns, working with quarterback Justin Herbert after a first year together in 2020.
In Williams, the Jets see someone who can play a role in the red zone and win contested balls. In 2022, he recorded a 57% catch rate on contested passes, 11th best among wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rodgers, also coming off a serious injury, now has a receiving corps of Wilson and Williams on the outside, with Xavier Gipson in the slot. Wilson and Williams are versatile players and can also play inside.
Allen Lazard has an uncertain role. After signing a four-year contract worth $44 million, he made only 23 catches and was benched during a disappointing first season in New York. Lazard, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay, will likely return because his $10 million salary is fully guaranteed.
Williams has never made the Pro Bowl. In seven seasons, he has 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns.
