Heading into NFL free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers were more than $25.2M over the salary cap, per Over The Cap. That means they have some tough decisions to make if they want to be cap-compliant while also positioning themselves to add players in free agency and the NFL Draft. Shortly before the 4pm ET deadline, when the new league year begins, they made the first of those big decisions by releasing veteran WR Mike Williams.
Let’s examine the immediate implications and fantasy impact of Williams being released by the Chargers.
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Mike Williams Released by Los Angeles Chargers
Not coming as much of a surprise, the L.A. Chargers cut Mike Williams to save $20 million in salary cap savings.
Williams, after tearing his ACL in Week 3, will turn 30 this season. For what’s it’s worth, Big Mike was productive before he got hurt. Ranked as WR15 overall and WR17 in points per game.
Potential spots for Big Mike after his release include:
- Colts – reunite with Shane Steichen and give another weapon to Anthony Richardson
- Bears – reunite with former Chargers WR coach Chris Beatty (new Chicago WR coach)
- Commanders – Anthony Lynn connection
- Broncos – Joe Lombardi connection
- Chargers – The team is interested in bringing Williams back, but it has to be on a much cheaper deal
Williams’ release makes it more likely Keenan Allen stays in L.A. Increases the odds the Chargers draft a pass-catcher early in the NFL Draft, while slightly bumping up the roles of ancillary pieces like Joshua
Fantasy Football breakdowns of major moves
Quarterbacks
- Russell Wilson Signs With Steelers
- Kirk Cousins Agrees to Deal With Falcons
- Sam Darnold Agrees to Deal With Vikings
Wide Receivers
- Jerry Jeudy Traded to Browns
- Michael Pittman Jr. Re-Signs With Colts
- Gabe Davis Agrees to Deal with Jaguars
- Mike Evans Re-Signs with Buccaneers
- Darnell Mooney Agrees to Deal With Falcons
- Noah Brown re-signs with Texans
- Diontae Johnson Traded to Panthers
- Mack Hollins agrees to terms with Bills
Running Backs
- D’Andre Swift Agrees to Deal with Bears
- Saquon Barkley Agrees to Deal with Eagles
- Gus Edwards Agrees to Deal With Chargers
- Tony Pollard to sign with the Titans
- Austin Ekeler headed to Washington Commanders
- Devin Singletary Agrees to Deal With Giants
- Zack Moss Agrees to Deal With Bengals
- Derrick Henry Expected to Sign with Ravens
- Joe Mixon Traded to Texans
- DeeJay Dallas plans to sign with Cardinals
Tight Ends
- Noah Fant Re-Signs with Seahawks
- Will Dissly agrees to terms with the Chargers
- Irv Smith Jr. signs with Chiefs
- Gerald Everett Agrees to Deal With Bears
- Austin Hooper to Sign With Patriots
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