The Jets trade Mike Williams to the Steelers after criticism from Aaron Rodgers

The Jets are moving on from Mike Williams.

Weeks after quarterback Aaron Rodgers criticized the veteran receiver, the Jets traded Williams to the Steelers ahead of the NFL trade deadline for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Rodgers became frustrated with Williams after the Oct. 14 loss to the Bills because he ran a route that resulted in an interception on the Jets' final offensive play.

Williams' fate was further sealed a day later when the Jets acquired Davante Adams, who has a long history with Rodgers, from the Raiders.

Williams, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract this offseason, was slowed early in the season as he recovered from a torn ACL.

Rodgers was live on The Pat McAfee Show when ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the trade.

“Mike is a quiet guy and just goes about his business,” Rodgers said. “Mike had a bad injury last year, the ACL, it's hard to come back from that, and he worked his ass off all offseason, wasn't there much in training camp and was working part-time.

“But I felt like he was getting better and better at the start of the season. His speed improved and he became more comfortable with it. This is a serious injury. I had this injury and it's the mental part of it. Mike’s a good guy, he’ll be good in that locker room, he’s got a lot of experienced leaders.”

Williams gives the 6-2 Steelers a much-needed boost at the position behind promising youngster George Pickens.

“Sometimes a change of scenery is great for certain people,” Rodgers said. “It was great for me to get excited again and stuff. We somehow knew that with Davante there would be fewer goals for everyone. G (Garrett Wilson) will achieve his goals, he leads the league in goals and Tae is a dynamic player, he will achieve his goals. If this gives Mike more opportunities, that’s great and we wish Mike all the best.”

Williams, 30, finished his Jets career with 12 catches on 21 targets for 166 yards.

In Thursday's 21-13 comeback win over the Texans, the Jets' offense finally found a rhythm as Wilson and Adams combined for the team's three touchdowns.

The 3-6 Jets face the Cardinals on Sunday.