The Los Angeles Chargers signed Mike Williams to a one-year, $3 million fully guaranteed contract after spending 2024 with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. The team hoped he would return to his 2022 form after suffering a season-ending injury in 2023 and struggling to find his footing in 2024. However, Williams missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury and began training camp on the active/PUP list.
It appears that he has played his last down in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive weapon set to retire after 8 seasons
Jun 16, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh during organized team activities at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 16, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh during organized team activities at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Adam Schefter, Mike Williams informed the Chargers on Wednesday night that he plans to retire from the NFL after eight seasons, via his agent Tory Dandy. As a result, he will hang up his cleats, and his reunion with his former team will end before it began. Williams’ retirement creates a major hole in the receiving corps.
Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent Tory Dandy informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com/f97JzkcYHj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
Here’s a quick review of his NFL career
New York Jets, Mike Williams, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Mike Williams seventh overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent his first seven seasons with the team, developing into a reliable No.2 receiver and complement to Keenan Allen, eclipsing 1,000 yards twice. Williams hauled in 309 receptions for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns in 88 regular-season games and 62 starts, plus seven receptions for 110 yards in two playoff contests. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3 of the 2023 season, and the Chargers released him last offseason.
The New York Jets signed Mike Williams to a one-year $10 million contract. Unfortunately, he was not himself, struggling to build chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, and ultimately, the pairing failed. Williams caught 12 passes for 166 yards in nine games and three starts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Mike Williams during the NFL Trade Deadline, but he did not receive a lot of playing time and fell out of the rotation. He recorded nine receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown in nine regular-season games and two starts, plus one reception for 37 yards in the playoffs. Williams ended 2024 with 21 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown in 18 regular-season games and five starts.
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Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes the touchdown catch against the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Ladd McConkey
Quentin Johnston
Tre Harris
Jalen Reagor
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Derius Davis
Brenden Rice
Dez Fitzpatrick
Jaylen Johnson
Dalevon Campbell
Luke Grimm
Don’t be surprised if the Chargers add a veteran free agent and potentially reunite with Keenan Allen.
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