The New York Jets have likely signed wide receiver Mike Williams to make him the second target in the passing game behind WR1 Garrett Wilson.
As expected, the Jets took it easy with Williams in training camp as the 29-year-old recovers from a torn ACL suffered in September 2023. Although he was available for the season’s opening game as promised, Williams played sparingly in the Monday Night Football loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
His opportunities on the field increased significantly in Week 2 and will only continue to increase, according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Williams played 37 snaps (65 percent of the team total) in New York’s 24-17 road win over the Tennessee Titans, a significant increase from the aimless nine reps he took during the opener against the 49ers.
“He feels good. That was one of the first questions we asked him yesterday. He feels really good,” Saleh said Tuesday at Florham Park. “From what I understand, he’s played 35 snaps. He wants more and his body feels good, so we’ll continue to get him involved.”
Williams made his only pass reception in Nashville a success down the stretch. The receiver converted a 2nd-and-16 by catching a 19-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers on the decisive fourth-quarter drive.
Since being drafted No. 7 by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, Williams has shown a knack for making big plays, averaging 15.6 yards per pass reception in over 90 career games.
Although he appears close to regaining his pre-injury form, the short week makes it uncertain whether Williams will see a noticeable increase in reps in Game 3. The Jets have just three full days between Sunday’s win and their home opener Thursday night against the New England Patriots.
While his playing numbers may not change this week, his target share should increase as Rodgers becomes more familiar with Williams.
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