The LA Chargers have been interested in a potential reunion with Mike Williams. Dianna Russini's initial report on Thursday from The Athletic suggested it was the Chargers, Steelers, and Saints interested in the services of the veteran wideout via trade.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport also published what he has been hearing on the Mike Williams front Saturday evening. Rapoport wrote that "several teams" had been calling about the Jets' wideout, most notably the Steelers and Chargers.
However, it seems that the Steelers may have the edge over the Chargers as his latest report contains this excerpt:
"Pittsburgh has been in the market for a big-time receiver since it attempted to trade forBrandon Aiyuk before he re-signed with the 49ers," Rapoport wrote. "The team will get a close look at Williams when the Jets face the Steelers on Sunday."
While not necessarily containing a declaration that Pittsburgh is the favorite for Williams, the Steelers have been more active in looking for external WR help dating back to the offseason relative to the Chargers. Rapoport also made this post:
Plus: Could Mike Williams be playing against his future team tomorrow? 👀 https://t.co/fItjgmsLfR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 20, 2024
Chargers' odds of trading for Mike Williams now seem much lower
With the Jets playing the Steelers on Sunday, it makes sense that trade talks haven't accelerated this week. Adam Schefter posted this morning that trade talks between New York and Pittsburgh have indeed been tabled until after Sunday Night Football:
"The Jets and Steelers decided to table any substantive discussions about wide receiver Mike Williams until next week, after the two teams play tonight, according to league sources," Rapoport wrote.
The Chargers could obviously still make a run for Williams or decide to beat Pittsburgh in terms of trade compensation. However, it's probably time to start looking at some alternative options.
Are there other wideouts on the market who interest Joe Hortiz and the front office? Perhaps. But, another factor that should be considered in terms of Chargers' trade talks is some of their defensive attrition as well. Los Angeles potentially looking for defensive help or non-WR positions on the trade market wouldn't be a surprise.
The potential return of DJ Chark this week will stem some of the bleeding for the Chargers injury-wise. HC Jim Harbaugh also said at his press conference yesterday that he thought WR Josh Palmer was "heating up" after his performance vs. Denver.
If the Chargers are to trade for a wideout, it could be a move that comes closer to November 5th's trade deadline if Mike Williams is indeed becoming a less realistic option for the team.