The Los Angeles Chargers made a notable move in NFL free agency by signing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. The goal is to provide additional support for former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert. Williams, originally drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, spent his first seven seasons with the team.
During his initial tenure with the Chargers, Williams appeared in 88 games, recording 309 receptions for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns. Over his career, he has amassed 5,104 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. Now 30 years old, Williams is expected to have a few productive seasons left, provided he remains healthy.
“Mike Williams changes our offense. He’s one of those guys that we knew going into this year, we needed to get him the ball more,” Justin Herbert said back in 2021.
The Chargers hope Williams can return to his peak form, particularly from his standout 2021 season when he posted a career-high 1,146 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Since then, injuries have limited his availability, but reports suggest he is in excellent shape and the healthiest he’s been in some time.
Upgrading the supporting cast around Herbert has been a top priority for the Chargers this offseason. While bringing back Williams is a positive step, the team must continue to be aggressive in acquiring offensive playmakers through the draft and free agency. With Herbert’s talent and leadership, the team aims to compete at the highest level.
“From the jump, you could tell he had that leadership quality that you look for in a quarterback,” said offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III. “The more confidence he gets and the more he believes that we are all behind him… the more he continues to grow in that regard.”
With Herbert motivated by last season’s ending and reunited with one of his most trusted targets, this could be a defining year for him. As AFC rivals strengthen their rosters, the Chargers must continue making moves to stay competitive. Expect more additions in the coming weeks as the team builds for a strong 2025 season.
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