Three Mike Williams Free Agent Destinations
Mike Williams is no longer with the Los Angeles Chargers. After seven years, the team released him due to cap problems and he is a free agent for the first time. A player like him is polarizing; yes, he does have extreme talent. As a jump ball threat, you could certainly do a lot worse than the former Clemson star. However, he has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. He only played in 3 games for 2023 before tearing his ACL.
There’s no doubt that he has the ability to be a legit #1 receiver. He’s broken the 1,000-yard threshold twice in his career, and even did it with 49 receptions back in 2019. But, there are some red flags that teams must be cognizant of. League-wide interest will be high, so here’s three teams that make sense:
Atlanta Falcons
How about another big splash for Atlanta? There are some quality skill position players on the roster. However, getting new quarterback Kirk Cousins a potential game breaker like Williams has the chance to ignite that offense. It’s not a secret that the NFC South is pretty much up for grabs, so a move like this would change the balance of power.
It’s logical for the South Carolina native. Atlanta is roughly a two-hour drive to his Alma Mater and he’d also be visiting the Carolina Panthers once a year.
Chicago Bears
Could he envision himself as a safety valve for Caleb Williams? Obviously, DJ Moore is already there but that duo has some scary potential if Mike Williams can stay healthy. With the #1 pick and cap space galore, a move like this is certainly well within their means. Chicago is looking to become a winner after so many years of mediocrity and disappointment. No one really knows what Ryan Poles has up his sleeve for better or worse. Is a move for the #7 pick from the 2017 Draft something he is considering?
One thing is true about the NFL: you can never have too many pass-catchers. Teams are always trying to add at the receiver or tight-end positions, especially when you have young quarterbacks who need help accommodating themselves to the league. Keep an eye on the Bears over the next few days.
New York Giants
You could argue that no team has been as active in free agency as the Giants. After losing both Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney to NFC foes, Joe Schoen quickly looked for replacements. He beefed up the offensive line as well as adding Devin Singletary and star pass-rusher Brian Burns. Why not look to add even more, especially at a position of need?
It’s not an automatic addition. Big Blue would have to restructure some contracts, with names like Dexter Lawrence and Bobby Okereke likely candidates. They could opt to add one of the exciting receivers in the draft with the sixth overall pick. But, if they instead switch gears for a new franchise QB, then adding a veteran receiver makes a whole lot of sense.
Mike Williams is entering the free agent market for the first time and will have plenty of interested suitors. Don’t be shocked if someone else besides the three teams mentioned can lure him in.
