There’s no denying that the Carolina Panthers had some interest in new New York Jets receiver Mike Williams. But we might have to put an emphasis on the “some” part.
Last week, Williams and Gang Green agreed to terms on a one-year, $15 million deal. The pact was reached after the free-agent wideout also reportedly met with the Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Well, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, the Panthers may have had the chance to actually secure a homecoming for the Vance, S.C. native . . .
Re: Mike Williams and the #Panthers.
My understanding is the Panthers had an opportunity to match the Jets’ offer on Mike Williams but Carolina decided to look into other options.
They have three Day 2 picks and previously hosted Michael Gallup.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 24, 2024
Since Kaye’s post, Jets head coach Robert Saleh stated that Williams—who sustained an ACL tear in Week 3 of the 2023 campaign—still has to tackle his path to recovery.
“He’s got a long way to go,” Saleh told reporters from the Annual League Meeting. “He’s on the same timeline that Breece [Hall] had. They’re very similar injuries, same timeframe. Speaking with Mike, he knows he’s got a road to trek, but at the same time, if he does it the right way, we’re very confident that we’ll have them ready for Week 1.”
Williams carries an extensive injury history with him to New York. 2017’s seventh overall pick, who has played just one full pro season, appeared in 16 of a possible 34 games for the Los Angeles Chargers over the last two years.
So perhaps the Panthers might’ve had some pause on the 29-year-old, especially with that type of money on the table.
