The Los Angeles Chargers may cut former First-Round wide receiver, Mike Williams when the free agent market begins. The long-time receiver might finally be on the move after spending his entire NFL with the Chargers. Los Angeles already has to answer many questions this offseason and this could be one of the biggest yet. Williams was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft with the first-round pick, selected seventh overall.
The Chargers front office has hired new coaches and coordinators to start a new era in Los Angeles, so they may leave Williams in the past. He still has one year left on his contract, but the Chargers might move on from him soon. Williams suffered a torn ACL that has kept him out of action since 2023, so they may not take the risk to bring him back. It would be a gamble for Los Angeles so they could likely release him.
The former first-round pick was on pace to have a strong outing last season. In just two games, he was able to rack up 19 receptions for 249 yards, one touchdown and had 13.9 receptions. The Chargers are already suffering from letting Austin Ekeler test the free agency even though head coach Jim Harbaugh wants him back. The only way Williams would probably be back is if both sides agree on a pay cut.
The salary cap outlook for the Chargers is looking bleak so they may have to make more moves to save money. Joey Bosa is another star who’s a cap casualty as his ability to stay on the field has been an issue too.
#Chargers 2024 cap savings if traded or released:
– LB Khalil Mack – $23.25 million
– WR Keenan Allen – $23.1 million
– WR Mike Williams – $20 million
– DE Joey Bosa – $14.38 millionIf the Chargers extend any of these four players it would free up around $15 million in space… pic.twitter.com/F0eb9AuwZ7
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2024
Los Angeles Chargers May Cut Former First-Round Receiver Mike Williams
He’s an Obvious Pay-Cut Candidate
Williams and the Chargers still have time to work out some sort of deal to help him stay. One thing they don’t want to afford is Justin Herbert losing of his solid receivers who can still go once he returns. The issue is when he would return to the team and if he can still be the same player he was before he got injured. This is something that the Chargers have to determine and make a decision.
Herbert and Williams may have excellent chemistry but something they may consider if the two will be rusty once the duo come back to reunite. His spot wouldn’t be harmed once he returns, despite having Keenan Allen on their team. However, the Chargers could opt to draft a top receiver in this upcoming draft. It would be Williams’ spot to lose since he will be due for a contract next year either way.
It sounds like a lose-lose situation for Williams either way if he stays on the team or moves on. If released, he’ll likely struggle to intrigue a candidate to sign him on a new deal. Also, they can’t necessarily trade Williams because he may be too much of a gamble to take on.
Potential Landing Spot for Williams
The good news for Williams is that there are teams that are expressing interest in him. The Chicago Bears could be a possibility as they’re getting ready to trade Justin Fields. Chicago has the third most space in the league so they could go all in and make a move. The question is if they’re willing to take a gamble for Williams who’s coming off an injury?
This is for Chicago to decide, but they could prepare for the future early by adding the veteran receiver for the next franchise quarterback of the Bears.
