Mike Williams | Salary & Contract
The Los Angeles Chargers released star wide receiver Mike Williams who eventually was picked up by the NY Jets on a one year deal worth around $15 million. He is set to join Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Williams, who is recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season, gets a fresh start catching passes from the one of the most prolific and highest earning QBs of all time.
Mike Williams Wide Receiver Stats
Over his 7 NFL seasons, the 6’4″ Mike Williams has tallied 4,806 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns with 309 receptions. Logging in his best season with the Chargers in 2021 when he had 76 catches for 1,146 yards and 9 TDs.
Mike Williams was drafted seventh overall in the first round by the Chargers in 2017 and has been a solid part of their offense when healthy.
| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10 | 11 | 95 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 43 | 664 | 10 |
| 2019 | 15 | 49 | 1,001 | 2 |
| 2020 | 15 | 48 | 756 | 5 |
| 2021 | 16 | 76 | 1,146 | 9 |
| 2022 | 13 | 63 | 895 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 | 19 | 249 | 1 |
Mike Williams’ Athletic Talents and Strengths
At 6’4″ 218 lbs, Williams has an incredibly imposing physical frame combined with 4.5 speed. He is a downfield threat with his ability to track deep balls and make contested catches in the air. Williams is a master at creating separation with his crisp route-running despite his size. As former Chargers coach Brandon Staley said, “He’s one of the most complete receivers in the game with size, speed, hands and route-running.”
Why Did the Chargers Release Mike Williams?
Giving up Williams in early 2024, freed up necessary salary cap for the Chargers. This move also comes with LA’s new era of head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horitz.
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards and former tight end for the Seahawks Will Dissly were signed along with the re-signing of safety Alohi Gilman adding to the rumored emphasis on a power running game under offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Meanwhile, the Jets were desperate to find more receiving options to stretch the field for Aaron Rodgers. Outside of Garrett Wilson, no other player on the team recorded over 40 catches and 400 yards last season. The hope is that an injured prone Williams is at the very least a slight improvement for the offense.
Mike Williams Contract with the NY Jets
The Jets signed Mike Williams as a free agent in March 2024 to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, $8.3 million guaranteed. The contract includes $1.7 million in roster bonuses (100,000 per game played) and around $5 million in incentives.
Despite the recent ACL injury, head coach Rober Saleh is confident in his possibility for playing at the start of the season.
Onward to Jets Country
This free agent signing of Mike Williams sets up one of the most dynamic passing game combinations in the NFL for the 2024 season and possibly beyond. Fantasy players and football fans alike should be extremely excited to watch Williams and Rodgers connect for big plays.
