close
close

Aaron Rodgers reacts live on The Pat McAfee Show

play

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was live on ESPN's “Pat McAfee Show” when it was announced that his team had traded away one of his veteran receivers.

On Tuesday, New York sent wideout Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round pick. The 30-year-old failed to build chemistry with his quarterback early in the season after signing with the Jets as a free agent.

During a loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, Williams ran an incorrect route, resulting in an interception by Rodgers. After the game, the quarterback called out the veteran receiver about the outcome of the game.

The Jets traded for receiver Davante Adams the next day, and Williams' role in the offense was reduced even further.

On Tuesday's broadcast, Rodgers alluded to Adams' arrival and Williams' resulting decline in targets as reasons the Jets were willing to move on from the eighth-year receiver.

“Mike [Williams] a quiet guy. He just goes about his business. Mike had a serious ACL injury last year that is difficult to recover from, and he worked his ass off all season. Wasn't there much in training camp; “He worked part-time,” Rodgers said. “But I felt like he was getting better at the beginning of the season.” It felt like his speed was getting better and he was getting more comfortable with it.

“Mike is a good guy. He'll be good in the locker room, obviously he's got a lot of great, experienced leaders. He has had a nice career. And sometimes a change of scenery is great for certain people,” he continued. “It was great for me, it was kind of fun to get some excitement back.”

“We kind of knew with Davante [Adams] This means there would be fewer goals for everyone. G (Garrett Wilson) leads the league in goals, he will achieve his goals, and Te (Adams) is a dynamic player, he will achieve his goals. If it gives Mike more opportunities, that’s great and I wish Mike all the best.”

Mike Williams trade details

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers sent their 2025 fifth-round pick to the Jets on Tuesday for the wideout. Pittsburgh reportedly wanted to acquire a receiver before the NFL trade deadline and chose Williams on Tuesday afternoon.

The trade news was confirmed by Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports.

Statistics by Mike Williams

Here's what Williams' stats look like over nine weeks in 2024:

  • Goals: 21
  • Receptions: 12
  • Receiving yards: 166
  • Yards per reception: 13.8
  • Receiving touchdowns: 0

You may also like...