The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams as the new league year begins on Wednesday, the team announced in a statement.
Williams was the Chargers first-round draft pick in 2017 and spent seven seasons in Los Angeles. He recorded over 1,000 yards receiving twice in that span, ending his Chargers career with 4,806 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
Los Angeles signed Williams to a three-year, $60 million contract extension prior to the the 2022 NFL season. By releasing Williams, Los Angeles will save $20 million, even though Williams will still count for $12 million in dead money against the cap next year, according to SI’s Albert Breer. The Chargers entered the offseason with cap issues, and this move will still allow them to get under the cap for the new season.
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Williams battled many injuries during his Chargers tenure and is working his way back from suffering a torn ACL in Week 3 last season. Williams instantly becomes one of the better wide receiver options available in free agency this offseason.
