Chargers Officially Release Former First-Round Pick Mike Williams
The Los Angeles Chargers have released their star wide receiver and former first-round pick, Mike Williams.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reporter via X.
Williams will now be a free agent. He spent seven seasons with the Bolts, collecting 309 receptions for 4806 yards and 31 receiving touchdowns. For the first time in his NFL career, the 29-year-old will look for a new home.
This was bound to happen, considering the Chargers were in salary cap hell. With the release of their first-round pick, the Bolts are now cap-compliant. According to Over the Cap, this move now saves the Chargers $20 million in cap space.
According to Chargers insider for The Athletic, Daniel Popper, the Bolts still need to clear $7.81 million to fit the contracts of Alohi Gilman, Gus Edwards, and Will Dissly.
This isn't the end of some tough decisions for the Bolts. Charger star defenders Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa and wide receiver Keenan Allen all have cap hits of $30 million plus for 2024.
Williams was just the start of it, and we'll see who else the Bolts from office cans in the coming days or weeks.
The 29-year-old's best season as a Bolt came in 2021 when he played in all 16 games, starting in 14, and recorded a career-high 76 receptions for 1146 yards, nine touchdowns, and 15.1 receive yards per reception. He provided a deep threat to the team and was one of Justin Herbert's favorite weapons.
His presence will be missed. LA will look for his replacement, possibly in the upcoming draft.
