The Los Angeles Chargers made a significant move on Wednesday afternoon. Los Angeles parted ways with veteran wide receiver Mike Williams, ending a long tenure with the team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news of Williams’ release.
“The Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent,” Rapoport said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Rapoport noted also that Williams was due for a $32 million cap hit. Which, in all likelihood, explains the decision to cut him.
Sources: The #Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent. Williams, on the books for a $32M cap hit, becomes a top FA WR available. pic.twitter.com/4f2EMNH8Fp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
Williams played just three games last season with the Chargers and 13 during the 2022 NFL season. Injury concerns and otherwise were too much for LA to be willing to deal with, especially with the reported $32 million cap hit.
Over his seven-year career, Williams recorded 309 receptions, 4,806 yards, and 31 touchdowns. He went over 1,000 yards twice as a wide receiver – in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, Williams led the NFL in yards per reception at a whopping 20.4 (49 receptions for 1,001 yards). He hit a career-high in touchdowns in 2021 when he pulled in nine. In fact, 2021 was a career year for him, and he hit highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146).
Time will tell to see where he lands next. While he has piled up some injury issues, a short-term contract and a flier on him wouldn’t be the worst move to make.
Nonetheless, the NFL world had much to say.
Mike Williams is one of my favorite players I've been around. He is always smiling, big time energy giver. Showed up and made big plays in clutch moments throughout his time with Chargers. It'll be easy to root for him wherever he lands.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 13, 2024
Mike Williams earned my love and respect in 2019 when Philip Rivers was in his final year.
17 threw jump ball after jump ball. Prayers. Went down swinging.
81 got it every time. Often to his own body's detriment. But he wasn't going to let his QB down. pic.twitter.com/asOZMluH18
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) March 13, 2024
I'll remember #81 for a lot of things: he was an exemplary Charger who fought his ass off all the time and played through as much as his body would let him.
No better encapsulation of him than a Thursday night in December 2018 we all shared.💙
Thank you, Mike Williams. pic.twitter.com/WKvZQf7pfd
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) March 13, 2024
Thank you Mike Williams for all the amazing memories over the years. #WholeLotta 🤟pic.twitter.com/cl8BvyL60f
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) March 13, 2024