Mike Williams Released by Chargers: Fantasy Football Impact & Landing Spots (2024)

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.

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