As rumors swirl about a potential blockbuster trade that could land Davante Adams with the New York Jets, the team may face a tough decision regarding their own wide receiver corps. According to NFL on CBS Insider Jonathan Jones, one of the most likely candidates to be traded from the Jets in such a deal would be Mike Williams, who is currently rounding into form after returning from ACL surgery last year.
Williams, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jets this offseason, has finally found his rhythm after a slow start to the season. Despite being cautiously reintroduced to the offense following his injury, Williams has shown flashes of his explosive ability. The 6-foot-4 receiver has hauled in eight receptions for 120 yards in the Jets’ first four games, averaging an impressive 15 yards per catch. With Aaron Rodgers targeting him for big plays, Williams seems poised to become a crucial part of the Jets’ offense.
Yet, with Adams potentially joining the roster, some argue that Williams might be the odd man out. The Jets would have a formidable trio of wideouts in Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Williams if they managed to keep him, making the decision to trade him all the more perplexing. If the Las Vegas Raiders need a receiver in return for Adams, the Jets could offer other options such as younger receivers Xavier Gipson or Malachi Corley, rather than parting with a key contributor like Williams.
Trading Williams, especially now that he’s hitting his stride, could be a mistake for the Jets. The team is aiming for a deep playoff run and possibly a Super Bowl berth, making depth at wide receiver more valuable than a future draft pick. With Williams proving to be a reliable target for Rodgers, the Jets would be better off keeping him on the roster, especially as insurance in case another receiver goes down with an injury.
The Jets, like many teams, are balancing the present with the future. While acquiring Adams would undoubtedly be a major boost, giving up a player like Williams, who is finally living up to his potential after injury, could weaken the team’s depth. A mid-round draft pick in exchange for Williams might not bring the immediate impact the Jets need to achieve their lofty goals this season.
The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Jets will have to carefully weigh their options. The prospect of bringing in a superstar like Adams is enticing, but not at the cost of sacrificing crucial depth in their receiving corps. If the Jets can find a way to keep Williams and add Adams to the roster, they will significantly enhance their chances of making a deep postseason run.
