The Los Angeles Chargers have released Mike Williams to create salary cap space.
Now that he has become available, the 6’4″ wide receiver out of Clemson is free to negotiate with other NFL teams. Despite coming off a torn ACL, Williams should be able to make a full recovery for next season for whichever team brings in him.
And there will be plenty of teams inquiring about his available services now.
Mike Williams Free Agency Landing Spots
Williams’ release along with the restructure of Khalil Mack’s contract were a series of moves made by the Chargers on Wednesday to get under the salary cap.
As the former No. 7 overall pick, Williams has been a very productive player with the Chargers. In seven seasons, the Clemson product has caught 300+ passes for over 4,800 yards, and 31 touchdowns.
His ability to get downfield while being a large target will make him a strong help for any team needing a wide receiver. And there are plenty still looking on the open market.
New York Jets
The Jets are in desperate need to find a big-play WR that fits with Garrett Wilson. Wilson was the only Jets receiver last year to record over 400 yards receiving and 30 catches. Those numbers may not seem like a lot, but it shows why the organization is still searching for a top target.
New York has been relatively quiet during the first few days of free agency but has openly stated their desire to be in the market for another starting-caliber receiver.
While Williams has the injury concern on his belt, his skill set is of a much better player than the other options New York could consider.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have shown during their last two Super Bowl runs that they haven’t needed a top quality receiver on the outside to compete at the highest level. However, that doesn’t mean that Kansas City couldn’t benefit from addressing the position this offseason.
With Patrick Mahomes’ recent contract restructure, Kansas City should have plenty of room to try and acquire the likes of Williams. The former Charger is still just 29 years old, so the expectation should be that the organization can get a lot out of him.
That is, of course, if he’s willing to play for L.A.’s biggest rival.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens desperately need WR help. Whether it’s to help Zay Flowers on the outside, or the fact that the organization doesn’t have a big receiver on the outside, Williams could be a huge addition to an organization that reached the conference championship last season.
Playing under Todd Monken and, more importantly, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson should prolong Williams’ career and put him on the Pro Bowl track he always seemed to be with the Chargers.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have already traded for Diontae Johnson, but why wouldn’t Carolina want to surround their former No. 1 pick with as many quality receivers as possible?
KEEP READING: Top 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
Carolina needs a big-play receiver to pair with Johnson’s route-running prowess, and it’s simple as to why this would be a good match. Williams would also have a few more targets as opposed to competing with a player like Keenan Allen in Los Angeles.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.