The New York Jets could play the role of sellers heading into the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline, sending wide receiver Mike Williams to a contending team in exchange for draft capital. It all depends upon the type of approach that team brass decides to take, and it’s possible that Thursday night’s result could heavily influence that decision.
Entering the October 31 primetime home game at 2-6 overall, the Jets essentially need a win over the Houston Texans in order to realistically keep their playoff hopes alive. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler hypothesized that New York wants to wait and see how Thursday shakes out with Williams potentially increasing his value to the Jets or another team.
“What’s clear is the Jets are open to a trade, Williams is open to a trade and there is external interest in a deal. My sense, though, is the Jets want to get through Thursday night’s game with the Texans before fully assessing the market and potentially doing a deal,” said Fowler in NFL Week 9 latest buzz.
With Allen Lazard having been ruled out due to a chest injury, one would think Williams has an opportunity to step up in his absence. That was far from the case, however, when Lazard missed the Week 8 road loss to the New England Patriots. Williams did not attract a single receiving target over 33 offensive snaps.
Even if the Jets consider themselves to be in contention, the argument can be made that there simply aren’t many available snaps for Williams, especially after the arrival of All-Pro Davante Adams. With Garrett Wilson in place at the WR1 spot, Williams was expected, by some, to step into the WR2 role that Lazard failed to adequately fill last year. Lazard, however, has reestablished his good rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and is clearly a preferred target over Williams, who has totaled 10 receptions for 160 yards and no touchdowns on 19 targets.
Rodgers has shown little interest in throwing to Williams, and the Jets have enough mouths to feed with Wilson and Adams at the front of the line. It makes sense to strike now by swapping him for something of value rather than bury him on the bench and watch him walk after the season.