Eight-year veteran wide receiver Mike Williams signed a new one-year, $6 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams, a former first-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers but has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers, Agree to Contract
Williams hits the open market following an underwhelming season split betweeen two organizations. After tearing his ACL in the 2023 season, the wide receiver signed a one-year, “prove it” contract with the New York Jets. Paired with a now-healthy Aaron Rodgers, Williams never developed a rapport with the four-time MVP. Williams lasted just nine games with the organization, hauling in 12 of his 21 targets for 166 yards and no touchdowns.
Shortly after acquiring Davante Adams, the Jets traded Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing a complementary role in the offensive attack, the first-year Steeler recorded nine receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown during the final nine games of the season. The Steelers made the playoffs but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round.
Mike Williams originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Selected by the Los Angeles Chargers, the Clemson product needed some time to adapt to the professional game. He appeared in just 10 games as a rookie, recording 11 receptions for 95 yards and no touchdowns.
Fortunately, Williams overcame these early woes and became a reliable starter. This growth began in 2018 when he recorded 43 receptions for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns and continued into 2019 when he finished with 49 receptions for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams’ best season came in 2021 under first-year head coach Brandon Staley. Appearing in 16 of a possible 17 games, the Clemson product set career highs in receptions (76) and yards (1,146) while hauling in nine touchdowns.
Since signing his rookie contract, Mike Williams has appeared in 106 games while making 67 starts. While on the field, the first-round pick has recorded 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports