Ex-Chargers WR Mike Williams signing deal with Jets worth up to $15 million, per report
The Los Angeles Chargers' cap casualty is Aaron Rodgers' gain.
Former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is signing a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal means Williams will not be taking his planned visits to the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Jets posted something of a confirmation soon after the report, referencing a fan who went viral by ordering a breakfast sandwich to the team's facility for Williams.
we're gonna need a fresh sandwich
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 19, 2024
Williams was released by the Chargers last week amid a salary cap crunch that also saw them trade away longtime star Keenan Allen and negotiate pay cuts with pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Williams had been entering the final season of a three-year, $60 million contract extension.
In Williams, the Jets are signing a player who has been one of the better wide receivers in the NFL, when healthy. Those last two words have been significant during his seven-year career in Los Angeles. The 29-year-old missed nearly all of last season after tearing his ACL in Week 3 and missed the previous postseason with a fracture in his back.
Williams has averaged 65.3 receiving yards per game over the past five years, 18th in the NFL (min. 50 games played). His 31 touchdowns since 2018 also ranks 19th despite his time missed.
Jets continue a busy offseason with Mike Williams free agent signing
The Jets are not responding to their lost season by becoming less aggressive.
New York had already been plenty active building around Rodgers, particularly with the team's much-maligned offensive line. Next year's team will likely feature new starters at left tackle (Tyron Smith from the Dallas Cowboys), left guard (John Simpson from the Baltimore Ravens) and right tackle (Morgan Moses, also from the Ravens).
Other signings have included back-up quarterback Tyrod Taylor, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle Leki Fotu and cornerback Isaiah Oliver.
Williams figures to form a 1-2 punch alongside Garrett Wilson at wide receiver, an area where the Jets were previously looking pretty shallow behind Wilson. The other receivers on the team's roster were Allen Lazard (a disaster signing last season), Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles, Xavier Gipson, Lance McCutcheon and Malik Taylor.
