Giving quarterback Aaron Rodgers a new pass-catcher, the New York Jets agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams on Tuesday, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. .
Williams, 29, will sign a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, sources said.
The Jets went into free agency looking to upgrade at the position opposite Garrett Wilson, who was a 1,000-yard receiver in each of his first two seasons. Since 2018, Williams has led the NFL with 15.8 yards per reception among players with at least 200 catches, but there are some questions about his durability.
Williams tore his ACL in Week 3 of last season and missed the rest of the year. In 2022, he missed four games and the Chargers’ playoff loss. However, he only missed three games from 2018 to 2021. The Jets are taking some risk, but feel Williams’ size (6-foot-4) and ability to stretch the field adds another dimension to the offense.
The Chargers waived Williams after seven seasons as his cap charge ballooned to $32.5 million. He was scheduled to pay a non-guaranteed base salary of $17 million in the final year of a three-year, $60 million contract.
Williams, the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, was scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers in free agency. The Chargers also expressed interest in his return.
His best year was 2021, when he set career highs in receptions (76 yards) and receiving yards (1,146 yards). He also played alongside quarterback Justin Herbert, who had a rocky first year in 2020, scoring nine touchdowns.
In Williams, the Jets believe they have a player who can be a factor in the red zone and get contested balls. In 2022, he caught 57% of contested passes, 11th best among wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rodgers is also coming back from a major injury, and they now have a receiving corps that features Wilson and Williams on the outside, with Xavier Gipson in the slot. Wilson and Williams are versatile players who can also play inside.
Allen Lazard’s role is unclear. He signed a four-year, $44 million contract but was benched after a disappointing debut season in New York, making just 23 catches. Lazard, who played alongside Rodgers in Green Bay, will likely return because his $10 million salary is fully guaranteed.
Williams has never played in the Pro Bowl. He has 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons.
