PITTSBURGH – Newly acquired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams is known to be a deep threat and merchant when it comes to contested catches. On contested targets since 2018, Williams has the third-highest receiving grade (94.1), ranks second in receptions (91) and second in receiving yards (1,495), according to Pro Football Focus.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the Steelers wanted Williams for two reasons — he’s good in the 20s, and good on 50/50 balls.
“Excited for the opportunity,” Mike Williams said on Wednesday. “Happy to be here. Looking forward to it. Ready to get this thing rolling. It’s exciting. It starts up front, the running game. And then everybody sees plays that the receivers make. GP going out there, making big time plays every game. So, adding me just added another threat, a guy that can go out there and make plays. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m a playmaker. I want to make plays. I want to get the ops. I’m going to go out and work and show that I deserve to be on the field.”
Russell Wilson’s vintage moon ball has been on display in two games. He hit a beauty to George Pickens in stride for a 45-yard gain in last Monday night’s win over the New York Giants. He could be a perfect match for Williams.
“Hell, yeah. That’s something I’ve been good at, also, in my career, is catching that deep ball. …. Let’s connect on a lot of those,” Williams said.
“He puts the work in. Time in, time out. A leader on and off the field,” Williams added about Wilson. “I’m just very thankful to have a guy like that, a quarterback on this team. A leader to put us in the right position to be successful.”
Williams is looking forward to putting his hand in the pile and contributing right away.
“I had a pretty good day today, I’ve been in quite a bit,” Williams said of his first practice with the Steelers. “I was moving around everywhere. I’m trying to learn as much as possible. You never know what can happen, people move, things change. So, I’m just learning all the positions. I got some reps with Russ also. So, keep building the rest of the week and see where we are on Sunday.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.