Wide receiver Mike Williams. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chargers cut former top-10 pick amid cap crunch

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 3/13/24

The Los Angeles Chargers were in a tough situation with the salary cap, so they had to make some tough decisions. One of those decisions was to cut wide receiver Mike Williams, a former No. 7 overall pick by the team.

The Chargers released Williams to save $20 million against the salary cap. Though the team is saving money through the move, Williams still has a $12.46 million dead cap hit ($7 million from his signing bonus and $5.46 million through a restructuring bonus).

After seven seasons together, the Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, per source. The move will save the Chargers $20 million against their cap and Williams will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/okV2GrLCRz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024

The Chargers are currently cap compliant thanks to the move, but they may still attempt to shed more salary in the coming days.

Updated spreadsheet, including contracts still to be processed — Alohi Gilman, Will Dissly, Gus Edwards.#Chargers compliant for deadline. Need to clear $7.81M to fit these contracts into sheet.

Next deadline: Roster bonuses due on March 16 for Mack, Bosa, per Over the Cap. pic.twitter.com/QDJfD2rZIg

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) March 13, 2024

Though cutting Williams was a big step toward getting under the cap, the Chargers still have some work to do. Maybe negotiating a contract restructuring with Khalil Mack and/or Joey Bosa would do the trick in the easiest way possible.

Williams had mixed results over his seven seasons with the Chargers. He was frequently injured and never fully produced the way the team had hoped. His best statistical season came in 2021, when he had 76 catches for 1,146 yards and nine touchdown catches.

Williams is coming off a torn ACL that limited him to three games last season. He is expected to draw plenty of interest in free agency.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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