As the New York Jets remain connected to trade rumors involving Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, speculation has started to rise about potential roster moves the team might make if the trade materializes. Among the most prominent reports is the possibility of the Jets trading wide receiver Mike Williams if they land Adams.
Jets in Pursuit of Adams, Williams’ Future in Question
The Jets are currently among the favorites to acquire Davante Adams, who recently requested a trade from the Raiders. Though no deal is imminent, the possibility of Adams joining the Jets seems increasingly likely, with reports suggesting it could happen as early as next week.
However, the addition of a high-caliber player like Adams could create a surplus in the Jets’ receiving corps. With Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Mike Williams already filling out the Jets’ wide receiver room, Adams’ arrival might lead to one player being the odd man out. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, that player could very well be Mike Williams.
Jones reported that Williams is “the most likely candidate to be traded” if the Jets succeed in acquiring Adams. While it’s unclear whether Williams would be included in a potential Adams deal, the Jets may consider trading him to another team to balance their roster.
Mike Williams’ Value and Performance
Mike Williams, who joined the Jets on a one-year, $10 million deal after being released by the Los Angeles Chargers, has shown promise in recent weeks. Having recovered from a torn ACL, Williams is starting to find his rhythm again. Currently, he ranks in the top five among qualified wide receivers in contested-catch rate and has logged 120 yards on eight catches from 10 targets.
Despite his progress, the Jets could still be inclined to move him if Adams joins the team, not out of necessity but due to a potential overcrowding of talent at wide receiver. With the likes of Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard already established in the offense, the addition of Adams would create one of the most formidable receiving corps in the league.
But the Jets aren’t necessarily in a position where they have to trade Williams for cap reasons. They have sufficient space to accommodate Adams’ contract, and it is expected that the Raiders would absorb part of the financial hit as well. However, the decision to trade Williams might hinge on the challenge of finding sufficient playing time for all their offensive weapons.
The Risk of Trading Williams
Given how well Williams has performed despite his injury recovery, it wouldn’t make sense for the Jets to offload him for a minimal return. Trading him for a late-round pick in a season where the Jets are in “win-now” mode might be seen as counterproductive.
Additionally, the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where injuries and absences are common, could make the Jets hesitant to thin out their depth at wide receiver. Williams has demonstrated his ability to make contested catches and could play a crucial role later in the season.
For now, the possibility of trading Williams remains on the table if the Jets secure Adams. However, it’s clear that any move would have significant implications for the team’s offensive outlook. Jets fans are likely to have mixed feelings, as keeping Williams would provide added security, but landing Adams might be too big of an opportunity to pass up.