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, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Williams, 29, will sign a one-year contract worth a maximum of $15 million, according to sources.
The Jets went into free agency looking to upgrade 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 with some lingering questions.
Williams tore his ACL in Week 3 last season, causing him to miss the remainder of the year. In 2022, he missed four games and the Chargers' playoff loss. But from 2018 to 2021, he only missed three games. The Jets are taking some risk, but they feel Williams' size (6-foot-4) and ability to stretch the field will add a different dimension to the offense.
The Chargers cut Williams after seven seasons because his cap hit was $32.5 million. He was due a non-guaranteed $17 million in base salary in the final year of his three-year, $60 million contract.
Williams, taken seventh overall in 2017, was scheduled to make free agent visits to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. The Chargers were also interested in bringing him in.
His best year was 2021, when he had receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146). He also scored nine touchdowns and clicked with quarterback Justin Herbert after his first year in 2020.
In Williams, the Jets see someone who can be a factor in the red zone and win contested balls. In 2022, he posted a 57% catch rate on contested passes, 11th best among wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rodgers, coming off a major injury, now has a receiving corps featuring Wilson and Williams on the outside, with Xavier Gibson in the slot. Wilson and Williams are versatile players and can play inside as well.
Alan Lazard plays an ambiguous role. After signing a four-year, $44 million contract, he had just 23 catches and was benched in a disappointing debut season in New York. Lazard, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay, will likely return because his $10 million salary is fully guaranteed.
Williams never made a Pro Bowl. In seven seasons, he had 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns.
