Broad receiver Mike Williams is coming into free company.
The Los Angeles Chargers launched Williams simply hours earlier than the beginning of the brand new league yr on Wednesday, the team announced.
Williams’ launch saves the Chargers $20 million towards their wage cap. The Chargers entered Wednesday roughly $25 million over the wage cap, per Over The Cap.
The 6-foot-4 extensive receiver is probably going to attract important curiosity on the open market as one of many prime free brokers now accessible regardless of him coming off a torn ACL that reduce his 2023 season quick. USA TODAY Sports activities explores doable touchdown spots for the 29-year-old wideout.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have a large void at extensive receiver. New England did not have a wideout prime 50 catches final season, and the crew had the NFL’s twenty eighth ranked go offense in 2023.
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New England’s greatest wideouts coming into the season are Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Williams is a greater receiver than each. He would carry the Patriots a wideout with a giant catch radius and any individual who thrives on making contested catches.
Nonetheless, New England’s gap at quarterback could possibly be a deterrent. Journeyman Jacoby Brissett is the highest QB on the Patriots’ roster, however the crew might choose a signal-caller with the No. 3 general decide within the 2024 NFL draft.
Chicago Bears
Chicago already has been energetic in free company due to their abundance of cap area. In keeping with Over The Cap, the Bears entered Wednesday with greater than $56 million in wage cap area.
Williams’ addition within the Windy Metropolis would give the Bears a dynamic mixture on the skin with DJ Moore.
Williams has averaged almost 10 yards a reception the previous two seasons. Moore averaged 10 yards a catch final yr. Plus, the Bears have tight ends Cole Kmet and not too long ago acquired former Charger Gerald Everett.
The Bears do have some questions at quarterback. An individual with information of the state of affairs informed USA TODAY Sports activities that the Bears are contemplating buying and selling Justin Fields. The particular person spoke on situation of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Chicago has the No. 1 general decide on this yr’s draft and plenty of across the NFL count on the franchise to pick out USC QB Caleb Williams.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are an fascinating possibility, particularly with the unsure way forward for extensive receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson, who’s coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract, needs the Vikings or some other crew to again up the Brinks truck for his companies.
Minnesota final season drafted receiver Jordan Addison, who put up a nice rookie marketing campaign. However with Jefferson’s long-term future doubtful, Williams could possibly be added as insurance coverage.
The Vikings even have questions at quarterback, which could discourage Williams from signing in Minnesota. The Vikings changed Kirk Cousins with Sam Darnold. However Darnold figures to be extra of a bridge quarterback at this level of his profession.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The Chiefs know all too nicely about Williams. Whereas enjoying for the division rival Chargers, Williams usually torched Kansas Metropolis.
Williams compiled 43 catches, 692 receiving yards and 6 landing receptions in 11 profession video games towards the Chiefs. It’s essentially the most catches, receiving yards and landing grabs he’s had towards any NFL opponent.
The Chiefs led the NFL with 44 drops in 2023. Williams has certain palms and would provide Patrick Mahomes with a professional X-receiver on the skin.
Kansas Metropolis launched Marquez Valdes-Scantling and are rumored to be within the extensive receiver market this offseason.
Los Angeles Chargers
Sure, there’s an opportunity Williams returns to Los Angeles, an individual near the state of affairs informed USA TODAY Sports activities. The particular person spoke on situation of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
For the reason that Chargers drafted Williams No. 7 general within the 2017 NFL draft, he has blossomed into one of many league’s premier deep threats. Williams produced 309 catches, 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Chargers. He averaged 15.6 yards per catch as a Charger and was a preferred determine within the crew’s locker room.
Williams suffered a season-ending ACL damage in Week 3 of the 2023 season, however is anticipated to be able to go in 2024.
He must settle for a team-friendly deal to return to the Chargers.
Comply with USA TODAY Sports activities’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.