Two-Time 1,000-Yard Wideout Signs with the Jets
Prior to the start of the new league year getting underway on March 13th, the Los Angeles Chargers decided to release veteran wide receiver Mike Williams in order to save $20 million on the salary cap while sustaining a dead money charge of $12.46 million. The release of Williams came on the heels of a 2023-24 season that saw the two-time 1,000-yard wideout miss the majority of the year due to a season-ending ACL tear suffered in Week Three against the Vikings. Despite his injury-riddled season, Williams remained a highly coveted big-body wide receiver that suddenly became available on the free-agent market. Now, it has been announced that Williams will be taking his talents to the New York Jets after signing a one-year deal worth up to 15 million dollars.
Prior to the NFL, Williams, 29, played four seasons of college football at Clemson University from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure with the Tigers, Williams would develop into a highly productive wide receiver, as he would record two 1,000-yard seasons (2014 & 2016). At Clemson, Williams would finish his collegiate career with 177 receptions, 2,727 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns in 38 games played. Following his senior season, which saw the Tigers defeat Alabama for the National Championship, Williams would declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. The Chargers would go on to select Williams in the first round with the seventh overall pick in the draft.
Over the course of his seven seasons with the Chargers, Williams would continue to show off his dynamic separation and pass-catching abilities. During his stint in Los Angeles, Williams would tally 309 receptions, 4,806 receiving yards, and 31 touchdowns in 88 games played. Last season, Williams managed to only play in three games as he suffered an ACL tear that cut his season short. Heading into the 2024-25 season, Williams will provide the Jets with an imposing presence on the offensive side that New York has been dreaming of having for years.
