Former First-Round Pick Signs with the Chargers

Former first-round pick wide receiver Mike Williams will be returning to a familiar place after it was announced that he has signed a one-year deal that includes a maximum value of six million with the Los Angeles Chargers. After being drafted seventh overall, Williams began his career with the Chargers. Coming out of Clemson, there were high expectations for Williams. To which he was never fully able to live up to, but the Chargers are banking on him to reach the ceiling that warranted such a high draft pick.

In his eight-year NFL career, the former first-round pick only eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving twice. This is despite playing four seasons with Justin Herbert throwing him the ball. Williams did find success as a deep threat but not in many other facets of his game. For his career, he averages over 15 yards per reception. His career-best was in 2017 for 20.4 yards per reception.

The former first-round pick tore his ACL in 2023 with the Chargers before signing with the New York Jets the following offseason. He was part of a failed attempt to bolster the roster around an aging Aaron Rodgers. Williams recorded only 12 receptions on 21 targets without a touchdown while playing nine games with the Jets. His relationship with Rodgers deteriorated to the point where he was being called out in post-game press conferences before being traded away to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is with the Steelers that the former first-round pick recorded his sole touchdown of the year. Yet, Williams did not have as big an impact in the Steel City as the team would have hoped. However, this past season was his first back from the ACL injury. So, the Chargers are banking on a fully healthy offseason that will help Williams return to the form that he had in Los Angeles. Or maybe even reach the ceiling that led him to be the seventh overall pick.