Former Jets receiver Mike Williams theorized that it was his rehab from an offseason ACL reconstruction, which prevented him much time to work with Aaron Rodgers in the spring and summer, that led Williams to fall out of favor with the Gang Green quarterback.
Williams addressed reporters after his first practice with the Steelers after the Jets dealt the receiver to Pittsburgh before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The 30-year-old called his time in New York “cool” despite lasting just nine games with the Jets after signing a one-year deal with the organization in March.
But things didn’t work out for Williams quite the way either side had hoped for and Rodgers called out Williams for running the wrong route that led to an interception during a Week 6 game against the Bills.
“Going there after the ACL not having OTAs or training camp to get the chemistry right … [Rodgers] is real detailed. He likes what he likes. Me not being able to transition in as quick is probably what went wrong,” Williams said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Williams started three games for the Jets while appearing in all nine of their contests this season.
He had 12 receptions on 21 targets for 166 yards with the Jets.
The receiver expressed optimism about the new opportunity in the Steel City and described himself as a playmaker.
“I want to make plays. I’m going to work and show I deserve to be on the field,” Williams said.
Prior to signing with the Jets, Williams had played seven seasons for the Chargers after the team drafted him seventh overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Over the course of his time with the Chargers, Williams had 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns.
His best season with the organization came in 2021 when he had 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns.