3 Teams That Should Sign Mike Williams (NFL)
NFL

3 Teams That Should Sign Mike Williams

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing wide receiver Mike Williams. General manager Joe Hortiz was tasked with becoming salary-cap-compliant ahead of Wednesday's start of the new league year mid-afternoon deadline. The Chargers will save a sizable $20 million against the 2024 cap by cutting ties with Williams. They're incurring a total dead-money charge of $12.46 million.

Williams immediately becomes the best remaining wide receiver on the open market. The former Clemson standout unfortunately suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 3, which may complicate matters. At his best, Williams was a two-time 1,000-yard receiver with the speed necessary to threaten defensive backs vertically. Williams doubles as a big-bodied playmaker who physically dominates cornerbacks at the catch point.

We've identified three potential landing spots for Williams in free agency.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers took steps toward revamping their wide receiver room by acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a shrewd deal. The Panthers sent cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Johnson and a seventh-round selection. That's a win for new Carolina general manager Dan Morgan. But there's more work to be done for offensive-minded head coach Dave Canales to properly install an offense that will be built around sophomore quarterback Bryce Young. 

Young and the lackluster Panthers offense were far too reliant on the aging Adam Thielen last season. While Johnson should do outstanding work underneath the coverage for Johnson, Williams would give Young a vertical threat that can keep defenses honest.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Drake London is the Falcons’ No. 1 receiver. The No. 2 appears to be Darnell Mooney, who signed a lucrative three-year contract worth $39 million. Mooney is coming off a down season. I don't believe the Falcons are done adding starting-caliber receivers to their roster. Perhaps that’s through the 2024 NFL Draft, where they’re scheduled to pick 8th, 43rd, 74th, and 79th within the top 80.

Atlanta has high expectations after signing Kirk Cousins to play quarterback. Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts help round out an exciting cast of offensive playmakers. If the Falcons add another receiver a la Williams, they should be considered heavy favorites to win the NFC South in 2024.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

First-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is working through the wide receiver room after Bill Belichick botched the position for so many seasons. DeVante Parker was released from his contract and has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots also re-signed Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeMario Douglas, and Tyquan Thornton currently help fill out the room. A bunch of these playmakers are best suited to play the slot or "Z." The Patriots still lack an "X-type" receiver who brings an intimidating presence with him to the boundary. Williams would fill that role.

The Patriots are likely targeting a quarterback, one of Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, or Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Having Williams on the perimeter would ease their acclimation to the next level.



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