The Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan finally ended the wide receiver saga on Tuesday. As the trade deadline approached, Khan executed a deal that sent a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the New York Jets. In return, the Steelers acquired wide receiver Mike Williams, a player they believe can bolster their receiving corps. The team has been searching for additional receiving talent for several months, and with this acquisition, the long-anticipated resolution has finally come to fruition.
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Jets' Mike Williams celebrates after a big first down.
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler took to social media to provide further insight into the Steelers' decision-making process leading up to the trade deadline. Fowler revealed that the Steelers were also considering New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton as a potential target. However, Khan ultimately decided against pursuing Slayton, as he was unwilling to meet the demands that the Giants had set.
In addition to Mike Williams, the #Steelers also took a hard look at #Giants WR Darius Slayton in their hunt for a wide receiver. New York values Slayton, a 2025 free agent who has a pair of 100-yard games this year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 5, 2024
With the addition of Williams, the Steelers hope to enhance their offensive capabilities and provide quarterback Russell Wilson with more reliable options downfield. The move signifies Khan’s commitment to strengthening the team and addressing their needs as they look to make a push in the second half of the season. Steelers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the long wait for a new wide receiver is finally over.
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Former Jets wide receiver Mike Williams celebrates after a big play.
Now, Steeler Nation had hoped for a more impactful wide receiver than Williams. Once a first-round draft pick and a highly sought-after prospect, Williams has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. When he is on the field, he poses a significant downfield threat that can open up the passing attack.
However, his injury history raises concerns. Additionally, Williams did not make much of an impact with the Jets, which was partly due to being thrust into a difficult situation amid a crowded wide receiver room. In Pittsburgh, he should have more opportunities to showcase his talent.
Steelers' Omar Khan Had Eyes On Giants' Darius Slayton
The Steelers' interest in Slayton adds an intriguing layer to their wide receiver search. Slayton has had a solid 2024 season, catching 32 passes for 469 receiving yards and one touchdown. It appears the Giants viewed him more favorably than Khan and the Steelers did. Khan was not willing to overpay for Slayton, ultimately leading to the decision to move forward with the trade for Williams.
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Giants' Darius Slayton makes a catch during a home game in New York.
With Williams joining the roster, the Steelers are banking on his potential to revitalize their passing game. If he can stay healthy, he could become a key contributor alongside George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. The decision to trade for Williams instead of overextending for Slayton reflects Khan’s strategic approach to building a competitive team while maintaining financial prudence.
The only drawback to this trade for Pittsburgh is that they gave up a fifth-round pick for a player who will, for now, only be with the team for the 2024 season. With the trade happening midway through the season, it could be seen as a bit of an overpay. However, the Steelers found themselves in a tough spot after missing out on several other wide receivers.
It's likely that Khan felt the pressure of the approaching deadline and knew he had to make a move. Despite the cost, the Steelers have finally added much-needed help to their wide receiver corps, and now fans are eager to see how Williams will fit into the offense.
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