Mike Williams

While most teams have already finalized their free agency moves and shifted focus to the NFL Draft on April 25, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas stayed busy. With a Jadeveon Clowney visit looming, New York signed former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Having lacked a true number two option behind Garrett Wilson in 2023, Williams projects to be an instant upgrade on a roster looking to contend with quarterback Aaron Rodgers recovering from a torn Achilles. And although Williams arrives in the Big Apple with several concerns — most notably injuries — he adds a new dimension to a Jets offense that has lacked explosion for nearly a decade. Since 2019, Mike Williams has led the NFL in yards per reception at 15.9 — adding a much-needed vertical threat to a receiving corps that ranked second to last in the same category last season.

During his seven-year career, Williams has amassed 4,806 yards on 309 catches, scoring 31 touchdowns in the process. His best season came in 2021, a campaign in which the former seventh overall pick tallied 76 receptions for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. The reception and yardage totals remain career highs for Williams, even though he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl to this point.

While Williams had several other suitors — including the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers — he decided to join a Jets receiving room that features uninspiring options beyond Wilson. Second-year man Xavier Gipson figures to play as a slot receiver but is inexperienced, while Allen Lazard was a massive disappointment in Year 1.

In terms of projecting Williams’ fantasy outlook, a lot of it (yet again) depends on health. If he’s on the field, Williams figures to assume a sizeable role for New York. Unfortunately, though, that’s a big “if,” as the former Clemson standout tore his ACL in Week 3 last season and missed four games in 2022.

When healthy, though, Williams can be an invaluable asset, not only for the New York Jets but also for your fantasy team. The 6-foot-4 Williams is among the league’s best at stretching the field and has a knack for making contested catches in traffic. His vertical threat and diverse skillset also make him an elite red zone player, which could ultimately be most appealing to fantasy managers looking to cash in on a mid-round pick with upside.

Overall, despite their recent organizational failures, the New York Jets are one of the best places Williams could’ve ended up for fantasy purposes. Again, a lot of it depends on health — both for Williams and Aaron Rodgers — but if he can stay off the injury report, there’s no reason why Mike Williams can’t be a viable FLEX option in pretty much all formats.