The curious case of Mike Williams' NFL career took yet another turn over the weekend when the wide receiver appeared deactivated from the roster for the Buffalo Bills' game against the New England Patriots. Considering the struggling offense of the Buffalo Bills, the team needs all of the playmakers they can get, leaving many to wonder why Williams was not on the field. Now news is getting out that the wide receiver is seeking a trade before the mid-season deadline.
According to ESPN.com, Williams' agent has requested permission from the Bills to seek out trade interest on his client. The deadline to make deals is Oct. 28 so if the report is true, Williams could be on the move sooner rather than later. General manager Doug Whaley denied reports that the team was seeking a trade of Williams. However, he did note that if another team called with a strong offer for the player, then the Bills would have to listen.
"I said, 'We like Mike Williams. We expect him back and we expect big things from him,'" Whaley said, via ESPN.com. "But like anybody, if he gets us compensation worthy of a No. 1 wide receiver -- which he claimed he is -- then we would entertain it. He's taken it as permission, but I see it as, anybody on this team, we have to do our due diligence, and if there's somebody out there that is willing to give us compensation that we think is fair, and would help us in the long run, we would entertain it. That doesn't say we're gonna do it, but we would entertain it."
Williams has struggled in his NFL career. The wide receiver was traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a contract that has a hefty amount of guaranteed money attached to him. He lost his starting job to Robert Woods and has just eight catches for 142 yards this season. The receiver denied the idea that he was demanding a move from Buffalo. He tweeted out, "Chill everybody I'm happy with being a buffalo bill...i mean come on it's my dream my agent just did what a agent supposed to do..."
There could be interest surrounding Williams for team in postseason contention. The New York Giants just lost Victor Cruz and are in need of a body to help take the pressure off Odell Beckham Jr and Rueben Randle. Williams is not a bad option. The Detroit Lions could also be interested if Calvin Johnson's ankle injury does not begin to heal up as the season continues. The wide receiver is already expected to miss another week.Williams would ease the pressure.
