Wide receiver Mike Williams is entering free agency.
The Los Angeles Chargers released Williams just hours before the start of the new league year on Wednesday, the team announced.
Williams’ release saves the Chargers $20 million against their salary cap. The Chargers entered Wednesday roughly $25 million over the salary cap, per Over The Cap.
The 6-foot-4 wide receiver is likely to draw significant interest on the open market as one of the top free agents now available despite him coming off a torn ACL that cut his 2023 season short. USA TODAY Sports explores possible landing spots for the 29-year-old wideout.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have a massive void at wide receiver. New England didn’t have a wideout top 50 catches last season, and the team had the NFL’s 28th ranked pass offense in 2023.
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New England’s best wideouts entering the season are Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Williams is a better receiver than both. He would bring the Patriots a wideout with a big catch radius and somebody who thrives on making contested catches.
However, New England’s hole at quarterback could be a deterrent. Journeyman Jacoby Brissett is the top QB on the Patriots’ roster, but the team could select a signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Chicago Bears
Chicago already has been active in free agency because of their abundance of cap space. According to Over The Cap, the Bears entered Wednesday with more than $56 million in salary cap space.
Williams’ addition in the Windy City would give the Bears a dynamic combination on the outside with DJ Moore.
Williams has averaged nearly 10 yards a reception the past two seasons. Moore averaged 10 yards a catch last year. Plus, the Bears have tight ends Cole Kmet and recently acquired former Charger Gerald Everett.
The Bears do have some questions at quarterback. A person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the Bears are considering trading Justin Fields. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Chicago has the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and many around the NFL expect the franchise to select USC QB Caleb Williams.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are an interesting option, especially with the uncertain future of wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, wants the Vikings or any other interested team to back up the Brinks truck for his services.
Minnesota last season drafted receiver Jordan Addison, who put up a fine rookie campaign. But with Jefferson’s long-term future in doubt, Williams could be added as insurance.
The Vikings also have questions at quarterback, which might discourage Williams from signing in Minnesota. The Vikings replaced Kirk Cousins with Sam Darnold. But Darnold figures to be more of a bridge quarterback at this point of his career.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs know all too well about Williams. While playing for the division rival Chargers, Williams customarily torched Kansas City.
Williams compiled 43 catches, 692 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions in 11 career games against the Chiefs. It’s the most catches, receiving yards and touchdown grabs he’s had against any NFL opponent.
The Chiefs led the NFL with 44 drops in 2023. Williams has sure hands and would supply Patrick Mahomes with a legitimate X-receiver on the outside.
Kansas City released Marquez Valdes-Scantling and are rumored to be in the wide receiver market this offseason.
Los Angeles Chargers
Yes, there’s a chance Williams returns to Los Angeles, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Since the Chargers drafted Williams No. 7 overall in the 2017 NFL draft, he has blossomed into one of the league’s premier deep threats. Williams produced 309 catches, 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Chargers. He averaged 15.6 yards per catch as a Charger and was a popular figure in the team’s locker room.
Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 of the 2023 season, but is expected to be ready to go in 2024.
He would have to accept a team-friendly deal to return to the Chargers.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.