Height: 6’4″
Weight: 205lbs
40 yard dash: 4.43
2016 stats: 69 Rec 1,059 yards 7 TDs
2017 stats: 43 Rec 728 yards 4 TDs
2018 stats: 41 Rec 653 yards 5 TDs
Tyrell Williams represents the exact type of player the Steelers offense lacked in 2018. A tall, fast, big play target that can take the top off a defense. Think Martavis Bryant, without all the drama. Williams got lost in the shuffle of all the weapons the Chargers had on offense last season. Competing with stars like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams caused a dip in production for the talented receiver. It’s because of those other weapons however, that Tyrell Williams is almost certain to hit free agency. It’s unlikely the Chargers will use the franchise tag him with all the talent they still have at receiver.
Even if Antonio Brown ends up back with the Steelers, Williams should be high on their free agent wish list. If AB is indeed traded, adding another wideout becomes a top priority in the off-season. The Steelers have no idea what they have in James Washington following his disappointing rookie season. In fact, after Ju Ju Smith-Schuster there is basically nothing to count on for 2019. Drafting another receiver won’t be enough to fill the void left from losing Antonio Brown. Williams won’t come cheap unfortunately. He is at least in the top three receivers in this free agent class. Sammy Watkins got three years/$48 million from the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason, and is a good comp to Williams. It seems like a very steep price for a conservative team like the Steelers. When you factor in the lack of impact players on defense likely to come out of this free agent class with the amount of cap space the Steelers have, this could end up where the team spends some money.