The Pittsburgh Steelers may be at risk of losing Mike Williams, and a return to the Los Angeles Chargers is one possibility. However, could he end up with a division rival instead?
Pro Football Focus suggests the Baltimore Ravens’ ideal offseason signing would be Williams, adding much-needed size and contested catch ability to their receiving corps.
If the Ravens make a move, the Steelers could face the tough reality of losing him to a direct competitor.
“Without much cap space to maneuver, the Ravens will have a limited pool of free-agent options,” PFF wrote. “One potential target to fill in nicely as a big-bodied X-receiver could be Mike Williams. While he struggled in 2024, another offseason to regain his form post-ACL surgery in 2023 could pay dividends. In six seasons with the Chargers prior to his injury, he posted a 72.0-plus PFF receiving grade each year, presenting a solid value, if he can get back on track.”
After tearing his ACL with the Chargers in 2023, Mike Williams never quite returned to his pre-injury form. However, he still showcased his ability to make highlight-reel catches on jump balls along the sideline.
That remains his biggest strength, and any team looking for a reliable contested-catch receiver could see value in adding him. The Steelers brought him in for that exact reason, but they may opt to move on and target another veteran in free agency. That could open the door for a team like the Ravens to swoop in and capitalize on his market.
Trade cost for Pittsburgh Steelers to land All-Pro wide receiver revealed
Deebo Samuel is one of the most sought-after players in free agency, but what would it take for the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire him? If he’s released, the only cost would be cap space.
However, CBS Sports suggested that if a trade were involved, a fourth-round pick might be enough to land the former 2021 All-Pro wide receiver.
“For the fourth-round pick compensation, ESPN surmised that a Day 3 pick may be what Samuel ultimately fetches on the trade market,” Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports wrote. “Getting a selection just outside the top 100 would be a solid return for San Francisco. However, the elephant in the room could be Samuel’s desire to ultimately go to Pittsburgh given the franchise’s current uncertainty at quarterback with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to hit free agency.”
Samuel finished last season with just over 600 receiving yards while battling a persistent calf strain that hampered his explosiveness. Injuries have been a recurring issue throughout his career, and he is now entering the final year of a lucrative extension with the 49ers.
If the Steelers were to trade for him, a day-three pick—potentially a fourth-rounder—could be enough to get the deal done.
However, with the possibility of Samuel being released, Pittsburgh might simply wait and sign him as a free agent without giving up any draft capital.
