Mike Williams joins Jets on reported 1-year deal

The New York Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, the team announced Tuesday.

Williams inked a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A top-10 pick in 2017, Williams has spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers, who recently released him. A torn ACL limited the 29-year-old to three appearances and 19 receptions in 2023. Injuries have hampered him, as he's played just one full season since entering the league.

Williams has been a solid deep threat for most of his career and led the NFL with 20.4 yards per reception in 2019. The Clemson product, who has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, has caught 309 career passes for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns in 88 appearances across seven campaigns.

After a relatively slow start to 2024 free agency, the Jets have aggressively addressed their main needs this offseason. New York revamped its offensive line, and adding another weapon was a top priority. Besides Garrett Wilson, the team's No. 1 target, no other Jets wide receiver recorded more than 320 receiving yards in 2023.

Williams also reportedly met with the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers after becoming a free agent. The Chargers were apparently interested in a potential reunion with the wideout.

With Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury, the Jets head into the new season surrounded by high expectations again. The team went 7-10 last year after Rodgers sustained a season-ending ailment in his debut with the AFC East club. New York hasn't made the playoffs since the 2010 season, the longest drought in the NFL.