Mike Williams has been a premier receiver in the NFL since shortly after his drafting as the #7 pick out of Clemson in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Chargers. Totaling 4,800 yards and 31 touchdowns in the 88 games played in his career, Mike Williams has put himself in the upper echelon of contested catchers in the NFL. Since 2018 Mike Williams has been 25th among all pass catchers in yards and 19th in touchdowns. The Los Angeles Chargers have released the talented receiver for cap space purposes.
In 2023, he unfortunately tore his ACL only three games into the season. Given his age of 29 years old, it is within reason that an athletic decline for the premier receiver is in order. But given his catch radius at 6’4 and an 80-inch wingspan, many NFL teams will be in the market for one of the best “jump ball” receivers in the league.
Potential Landing Places for Mike Williams
1. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have had a string of disappointing seasons in the passing game in recent years. Most recently in the 2023 season, the Patriots were 28th in pass yards and 29th in pass yards per attempt. After trading former first-round pick QB Mac Jones to be a backup in Jacksonville, the Patriots look to grab a QB with the number 3 pick in the NFL draft. With Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster topping their receiving core on the depth chart, Mike Williams would be the perfect safety valve for a young QB to lean on.
Carolina Panthers
Speaking of a young quarterback needing help. The number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft Bryce Young struggled in his rookie season. With problems from offensive line to wide receivers, Carolina has a lot to figure out on offense. Ranking dead last in many passing metrics including total passing yards, Mike Williams would go a long way to legitimizing the Panthers as a passing threat. It would also allow the Panthers to pursue more offensive linemen in the 2024 draft, as they would not have to look for as many receiving threats.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off two consecutive Super Bowl victories. Many would think they do not need the firepower on offense. But the Chiefs were middle of the pack in all passing metrics in the 2023 season and lacked dynamism on the outside. The Chiefs defense was the biggest help in their 2023-24 Super Bowl win and if they wish to three-peat they likely would not want to lean on the defense as much. Mike Williams has spent his whole career in the AFC West battling against the Kansas City Chiefs, if he were to join them, it would give Patrick Mahomes a big target on the outside.
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite releasing wide receiver Mike Williams, the Chargers likely have a major interest in bringing him back on a lower contract. His loss would leave the Chargers scrambling to find a new receiver to pair with star Keenan Allen in the draft. Given Williams’ familiarity and comfortability with QB Justin Herbert, as well as the prospect of a new and proven head coach in Jim Harbaugh, Mike Williams could see himself taking a “hometown discount” to return to the team that drafted him. This move would secure the Chargers’ consistency and legitimacy as an offensive threat.
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