Steelers show caution with Mike Williams, hoping new wide receiver is 'value added'

The Pittsburgh Steelers who will have the most to do with getting the ball to Mike Williams — the one calling the plays and the one throwing the passes — did their best Thursday to downplay the immediate impact their newly acquired wide receiver could have on the offense.

While offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterback Russell Wilson weren’t shy about heaping praise on the physicality and veteran presence Williams brings, they didn’t sound like a duo desperate for help in the passing game whose wishes were answered. Instead, they showed caution not to elevate expectations for Williams when the Steelers (6-2) visit the Washington Commanders (7-2) on Sunday, especially at the expense of his teammates.

Smith offered that while the 6-foot-4, 218-pound Williams has a “unique skill set,” the Steelers would have to be mindful about how they integrate him into the system so that he understands their style of play and promising to “bring him along the right way.”

“Obviously, he’s got a skill set that fits us,” Smith said. “Mike is a big receiver. He’s caught a lot of 50/50 balls. Big presence in the run game. We’ll see where it goes. You make moves like that midseason, we’ve got a pretty good thing going, so hopefully he’s value added.”

Steelers OC Arthur Smith on what new WR Mike Williams brings to the Steelers pic.twitter.com/DBk5zwO7Wj

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 7, 2024

If that wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, Wilson initially added another splash of cold water. While noting that while Williams is a “dominant receiver who can make some great plays,” Wilson talked about the Steelers having a “very particular locker room” and name-dropped receivers George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller among the “plethora of guys who can make plays.”

Perhaps that was simply a strategic ploy by a veteran quarterback attempting to boost the morale of the position group after the Steelers spent a 2025 fifth-round pick to improve the threat of their passing game at Tuesday’s trade deadline.

After all, tight end Pat Freiermuth is their second-leading receiver behind Pickens and is tied with Austin for the team lead with two touchdown catches. Running back Najee Harris ranks third in receptions, ahead of Austin (14 for 257 yards and two touchdowns), Jefferson (14 for 139, one TD) and Miller (two for 31).

Eventually, Wilson heaped praise on Williams for his attention to detail in meetings and practices in his first two days with the team by adding, “You can tell he’s a pro.” It isn’t lost on Wilson that Williams gives them another big target who averaged 15.6 yards per catch in his first seven years in the NFL, with two 1,000-yard seasons. Williams’ 31 career touchdown receptions are one more than the combined total of Pickens, Jefferson, Austin and Miller.

“When you look out there and realize a guy’s 6-5 and can run the way he can, can jump up and catch the ball and run past people,” Wilson said, rattling off superlatives. “He’s physical, even in the short game. He can catch a slant, catch a hitch, catch a post route — he can run every route. … It’s real football. He’s not out there playing Madden. He can make some plays. He’s just a guy that’s been special over the years.”

Perhaps the Steelers are showing restraint because Williams has yet to be special this year. Smith was quick to remind that Williams is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in Week 3 of 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers and is on his third team in a calendar year. His stint with the New York Jets produced only 12 receptions for 166 yards and no touchdowns, and Williams dropped on the depth chart after they acquired Davante Adams.

That the Steelers made moves to acquire Williams and edge rusher Preston Smith impressed Wilson — even if he saves his praise for Williams for another day — because of the message it sends to the team.

“Championship teams go for it every day,” Wilson said. “Championship teams and championship cultures go for it. I really believe that. That’s something we have here. It’s a special place, a lot of winning here. Those are all truths. The other truth is, it doesn’t mean anything yet.”