The Los Angeles Chargers knew that, heading into the season, the wide receiver position would be a significant weakness after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen. Months later, NFL trade rumors are making it pretty clear Los Angeles could be reunited with Williams.
Signed to a one-year contract this offseason, Williams joined the Jets with the hopes of delivering a rebound year with the help of Aaron Rodgers. Instead, following a Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers publicly blamed Williams for the game-ending interception.
- Mike Williams contract (Spotrac): $2.724 million cap hit in 2025, $5.876 million dead cap charge in 2025
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Mike Williams To The Los Angeles Chargers Real Possibility
Even before Rodgers’ comments, Williams seemed to be the odd man out on the Jets depth chart at wide receiver. Now with Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, and Allen Lazard ahead of him, he’s popped up in NFL rumors and is sitting out practice for personal reasons.
Appearing on NFL Network, senior NFL insider Ian Rapoport stated his belief that Williams will be traded and it likely won’t be long before he finds a new home. Furthermore, NFL Network’s senior reporter Mike Garafolo shared that the Jets’ return in a Williams trade is “not going to be near” what they gave up in the deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for Adams.
- Mike Williams stats (ESPN): 10 receptions, 145 receiving yards
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For New York, trading Williams seems to be just as much about getting out of the remainder of the money he’s owed as it is about moving on from a disgruntled player. Of note, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Thursday that the Chargers have already checked in with New York about Williams.
Los Angeles could easily absorb his contract into its salary cap space and Williams’ rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert immediately limits any potential prolonged transition time following a trade. Considering his fit with Los Angeles and the team’s glaring need, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chargers ultimately swung a trade by the deadline on Nov. 5.
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