As the second wave of free agency rolls on, one of the best available names still on the open market is wide receiver Mike Williams.
The former seventh overall pick out of Clemson has had a serviceable NFL career but is coming off a torn ACL and has put forth just two 1,000+ yard seasons in his seven-year career. That being said, 6’4″ deep threats don’t hit the open market often, which is why Williams’ services are heavily watched this week.
Today, let’s break down some of those scheduled visits and the best overall landing spots for the wideout.
Mike Williams Free Agency Landing Spots
It’s been a few days since Williams has been released from the Los Angeles Chargers. While a potential reunion cannot be overlooked, the odds are that the former first-round wideout has played his last down on the West Coast.
Several teams can be interested in the former Clemson star, with different degrees of salary cap space to acquire him. The real question surrounding Williams’ pending free agency is what the wideout is looking for.
Is he looking for the best deal? The best chance at a championship? The chance to play with an all-time great quarterback?
Luckily for Williams, there are plenty of interested teams that can tie their names to those types of questions.
New York Jets
Williams is currently on his way for a scheduled visit with the New York Jets, the first team to hold a formal visit for the former top-10 pick. Gang Green is in desperate need of a second receiver to complement former Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. Inserting Williams into the roster would not only help enhance one of the worst offenses in football last year, but he would be an ideal target for New York’s QB.
Speaking of the quarterback, there isn’t one on the list with the type of legacy and skill that Aaron Rodgers possesses. The four-time NFL MVP has consistently said he would help the organization recruit anyone who is a target for the franchise.
Williams is the kind of big-body but fast receiver that Rodgers has always loved playing with. That alone could be the driving force to a deal being done before any other visits are made.
Carolina Panthers
If Williams is looking for the most money on a new deal, Carolina is probably the best option for him among the teams scheduled for visits. The Panthers have just under $20 million in cap space and have already spent big on the offensive side of the ball.
A trade for a receiver on a team later mentioned certainly helps improve the worst roster in football, but there are still several questions that need to be answered about Bryce Young and new head coach Dave Canales.
Pittsburgh Steelers
On the list of scheduled teams to hold a visit for the former Charger, we have the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson to Carolina last week as a way to find better influences for young and impressionable wideout George Pickens.
Williams has had a history of being a second option in an offense with Keenan Allen, and Russell Wilson certainly has some pull left despite some poor finishes in the last few years. Pittsburgh is an intriguing option despite their $12 million in salary cap room.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Of all the quarterbacks on this list, Trevor Lawrence is probably the most dependable right now. That could mean something for Williams, especially after the Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley to one of their biggest rivals last week.
Jacksonville owns just $15 million in cap space, so some gymnastics would have to be done to pay Williams the kind of contract he wants. But for a player of his size and speed, it’s easy why the organization should be in on him.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are an organization that needs plenty of help along the offensive side of the ball. Whether it’s at tackle, quarterback, or wide receiver, an infusion of talent in free agency has been in the works — along with one of the top overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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New England was already in on Ridley before he chose the Tennessee Titans, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they try to get in on the Williams’ sweepstakes as well.
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