The shocking news of Mike Williams' sudden retirement hit training camp on Thursday. Earlier in the week, the Chargers placed the veteran receiver on the PUP list. GM Joe Hortiz initially said he was working through a minor injury. But on Thursday, Williams and the Chargers made his retirement with the organization official.
Derwin James and Justin Herbert had to speak to the media right after practice. James called Williams his "brother" and said that he was in full support of his decision to retire. James noted the bond that Williams, himself, and former Chargers WR Keenan Allen shared.
Herbert was up at the podium next and had this to say:
Chargers QB Justin Herbert on Mike Williams retiring: "I want what's best for Mike."
"We're just gonna be there for him in however we can help...There's more to life than just football."
"Definitely gonna miss him, it's tough to replace a guy like that." pic.twitter.com/cToDyHtJ22
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) July 17, 2025
Herbert also recounted some of his favorite memories with Williams, like his one-handed catch against the Rams or the Week 18 Chargers-Raiders game from the 2021 season.
When asked if he knew a possible retirement was coming, Herbert partially dodged the question but acknowledged that Williams had been working hard in the offseason despite some setbacks. During June minicamp, the now-retired Chargers' receiver was working off to the side in team practices.
What comes next for a reeling Chargers WR room after Mike Williams' retirement
In the wake of Williams' retirement, conversation will now turn to how the Chargers fill that void. Herbert commented on one of those situations at his media availability. Asked about Tre Harris' former holdout effort from training camp, Herbert said this:
"He's done such a great job in OTAs of making up for that time...He's our teammate, we got his back no matter what," Herbert said. "Whenever that deal gets done and he comes back, I know he's not gonna miss a beat."
The Chargers realized that Harris' presence at camp was necessary, especially given the absence of Williams. Prior to Williams' retirement, HC Jim Harbaugh said that he hoped Harris was back at camp, "sooner rather than later."
A flurry of second-round picks have started signing with teams around the league today after the 49ers reached an agreement with DT Alfred Collins last night. Right after Chargers practices ended at 1PM PT, Ian Rapoport reported that Harris ended his holdout.
While the Chargers didn't prioritize Williams as a huge part of their free agency financially, he was expected to contribute for the team in some fashion.
The depth of the team at X receiver will certainly be tested over the next month and a half as they search for answers. At the very least, they now have Harris in training camp going forward after he signed the dotted line.