The Pittsburgh Steelers pursued a wide receiver until the final hours of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, but general manager Omar Khan finally got his guy after striking a deal with New York Jets for Mike Williams.

The Steelers acquired Williams from the Jets in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefterwhich also notes that Pittsburgh will pick up the remainder of Williams’ money in 2024, which amounts to $627,500, per I spot.

Williams hasn’t been the big, flashy move that Steelers fans were hoping for, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s still an upgrade. Williams provides a solid No. 2 option behind George Pickens for Russell Wilson and adds much-needed length to Pittsburgh’s receiving room.

Now, let’s see what the experts say. Here’s how some of them rated the Steelers’ acquisition of Williams at the deadline.

Steelers notes for Mike Williams trade

Vinnie Iyer, Sports News: A

Iyer: “When the Steelers made the switch at QB to a healthy Russell Wilson, it meant they wanted to unlock the passing game out of the backfield better using Wilson’s big arm. defense, but now that Pittsburgh has opened up the offense, it needs more help Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller were the next receivers on the depth chart, with rookie Roman Wilson injured and tight end Pat Freiermuth needing a third experienced target to deflect some coverage, and Williams, 30, has had plenty of injury problems throughout his career with the Chargers and Jets, preventing him from fulfilling his elite promise as a great stretcher bearer. However, if he can stay healthy in Pittsburgh, he will play a key complementary role in the new-look offense for the rest of the season.

Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports: B-

Kerr: “After months of exploring the wide receiver trade market, Pittsburgh finally landed a new perimeter weapon, taking Williams off the hands of the New York Jets, who made their own splash by adding Davante Adams weeks ago before the deadline. Ex-Los Angeles Chargers standout will team up with George Pickens.”

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: C+

Middlehurst-Schwartz: “A fifth-round pick isn’t a big tab, but there’s still a price here for just nine games of work. While the motivation to provide an in-season push for a passing attack that changed with Wilson taking over. for Justin Fields, how much can Pittsburgh expect from a 30-year-old who hasn’t been able to find his place in a new offense through his first campaign back from a torn ACL. In the end, might Wilson simply need to trust Williams? come down with some jump balls — which isn’t the worst use of the former Los Angeles Chargers standout’s skill set Maybe Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are maximizing the return from a talented catcher again, but it doesn’t look like will provide an advantage over the AFC elite”.

Gordon McGuinness, Professional Football Focus: B+

McGuinness: “In one of the more obvious trade fits, the Steelers add a receiver who can win contested catches for Russell Wilson. Williams has collected 54.2 percent of contested targets over his NFL career.”

Bleacher Report: B

Bleacher Report: “Pittsburgh didn’t have a true WR2 behind Pickens. Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have a combined 28 receptions. Williams immediately gives the Steelers a bigger target and a bigger threat to play in front of Pickens. Pittsburgh gets another weapon as it prepares for a playoff run, while the Jets get something in return for a player who offered very little.

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