Chargers Cut Mike Williams After 7 Seasons, Confirms Source
The Los Angeles Chargers have made a surprising move by releasing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams after seven seasons with the team. This decision, confirmed by league sources, comes as the Chargers aim to save $20 million in cap space, allowing them to be cap compliant for the upcoming league year.
The Chargers have already agreed to terms on three free agent signings, but they still need to clear around $9 million in space to accommodate those contracts. This means that more moves are likely to be made in the near future. Notably, players like Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Keenan Allen have cap hits of $30-plus million for 2024.
Williams’ release marks the end of an era for the Chargers. He was originally selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and had shown great promise throughout his career. In 2021, he had a breakout season with 1,146 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, leading to a three-year, $60 million extension. This extension made him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league at the time.
Under the guidance of coach Brandon Staley, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and receivers coach Chris Beatty, Williams had expanded his route tree and became a more versatile player. He was making an impact in various areas of the field, not just as a deep threat. However, injuries hindered his progress in the following two seasons.
In 2022, Williams suffered a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss most of the next five games. Then, in the season finale, he fractured his back and was unable to participate in the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to accumulate 895 receiving yards that year.
The Chargers attempted to further expand Williams’ role in 2023 by utilizing him more frequently in the slot. The early results were promising, but unfortunately, Williams tore his ACL in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. This injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
Despite his injury history, Williams has earned the respect of everyone within the Chargers organization. His toughness and willingness to play through pain have made him a beloved figure in the locker room. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2021 season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played through injuries and made crucial plays in a dramatic comeback.
Another aspect of Williams’ legacy with the Chargers is his ability to make acrobatic catches, often in contested situations. Former Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor once described it as more like a 70-30 or 80-20 chance of success. Williams’ incredible athleticism and catch radius have made him a reliable target for the Chargers’ quarterbacks.
Despite his release, Williams remains optimistic about his future. He expressed confidence in his abilities and stated that he will come back stronger than ever after his injuries. This offseason will be the first time he can explore the open market in his career.
While Williams’ departure may come as a surprise to many Chargers fans, it opens up opportunities for both the team and Williams himself. The Chargers can now allocate their cap space towards other needs, while Williams can seek out a new team that values his skills and potential. Only time will tell where Williams will end up next, but one thing is for certain: he leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Los Angeles Chargers.