Jets' Mike Williams says he wants to remain with team, has cleared the air with Aaron Rodgers

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Just one big semi-functional family.

After missing the last two days of practice due to what the team called “personal reasons,” Mike Williams was a full participant on Friday. When he met with reporters for the first time since the Jets acquired Davante Adams, the embattled receiver stated, unequivocally, that he is not interested in being traded to another NFL outpost while echoing interim coach Jeff Ulbrich’s announcement that he will play in Sunday night’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

“I’m where my feet [are] at,” Williams said, when asked directly if he wants to be traded. “That’s the main thing for me. I came here for a reason. I’m here, so I’m excited for this weekend. Finish preparation [Saturday] and play Sunday night.”

The questions are exactly how much playing time he will see and what that will entail. Signed to a one-year, $10 million contract on March 19 to serve as another veteran pass-catcher opposite Garrett Wilson, Williams’ role with the Jets is now likely to be reduced. None of the triumvirate of Williams, Ulbrich, and Todd Downing, the Jets’ passing game coordinator, would divulge with any specificity how the receiver will be utilized against the Steelers.

Through six games this season, Williams has 10 catches for 145 yards and has struggled to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers.

Williams was limited in training camp due to a torn left ACL suffered on Sept. 24, 2023, when he was with the Chargers. As a result, he and Rodgers have not had much time to develop a rhythm.

“We’re still building,” Williams said. “Day by day, practice by practice, game by game. Yeah, definitely still building.”

The Jets’ last offensive play in their 23-20 loss to the Bills on Monday night is Exhibit One.

According to Rodgers, Williams ran the wrong route on the play, and as a result, the quarterback's deep heave was picked off by the Bills' Taron Johnson at the Buffalo 18-yard line.

During his postgame news conference on Monday night, and again during his weekly interview segment on the “Pat McAfee Show” Tuesday, Rodgers claimed Williams ran “an in-breaker” instead of “down the red line.”

Williams said he and Rodgers have subsequently spoken about the play and the quarterback’s criticism, as well as having watched film in order to “make corrections.”

Ulbrich dismissed the notion that the miscommunication and criticism could lead to a rift between the two veterans.

“They’re grown men,” Ulbrich said. “They’re good friends and [have a] good relationship so we’re good. We’re good.”

Neither Williams nor Ulbrich would divulge what the “personal reasons” were that caused him to miss practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Just personal stuff,” said Williams. “I’d rather not speak about [it].” Added Ulbrich: “It was personal reasons. I’d rather not share those.”

Notes & quotes: Nickelback Michael Carter II (back) will miss his third straight game, Ulbrich said. Tight end Tyler Conklin (hip), cornerback D.J. Reed (groin) and linebacker Chazz Surratt (heel) were all listed as questionable.