The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday that they have released veteran wide receiver Mike Williams for below the salary cap for the 2024 season.
Although releasing Williams would save the Chargers $20 million in salary cap room, Williams would still cost the franchise $12.46 million in dead cap space.
This move was inevitable for the Chargers as they have until 4pm ET on Wednesday to be under the salary cap of $255.4 million and Williams is a free agent.
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Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates catching a ball in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on January 6, 2019. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Los Angeles knew they had to make tough decisions about their roster, as they were well over the salary cap despite the buzz they brought in as new head coach Jim Harbaugh earlier this offseason. .
On Wednesday, they released veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys, and sent Austin Ekeler to the Washington Commanders in free agency.
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However, the Chargers could renegotiate Khalil Mack’s contract for the 2024 season to create more cap room and keep him with the team. They also signed running back Gus Edwards, tight end Will Dissly and safety Alohi Gilman.
Williams was selected seventh overall by the Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft and formed a top receiving duo with Keenan Allen for years. Known for his catching ability, Williams had a breakout year in 2019, totaling 1,001 yards and two touchdowns on just 49 receptions. His 20.4 yards per catch led the NFL.
Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers catches the ball and is tackled by Rashad Fenton of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
After posting a career-best season in 2021 with 76 catches for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns (both career highs), the Chargers gave him a three-year deal worth $60 million before the start of the 2022 season. He was given a yearly contract.
However, Williams’ production slowed due to injuries. He broke his back during the team’s final regular season game in 2022 and missed the team’s disappointing wild-card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before his injury, he played only 13 games that season.
In 2023, he got off to a strong start with 19 receptions for 249 yards, including a touchdown, through the first three weeks. However, he tore his ACL, ending his season early and raising questions about his future with the team heading into the offseason.
Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
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Williams will be a free agent for the first time in his career. He played in 88 regular season games in seven seasons with the Chargers, catching 309 passes for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns.
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