Chargers' next move after shocking Mike Williams retirement is crystal clear

Mike Williams caught the NFL world and the Los Angeles Chargers of guard with his decision to suddenly retire on Thursday. After rejoining the team this offseason, the veteran wideout has decided to call it a career after eight seasons. He’ll now enter the next chapter of his life, and the Chargers must figure out how to navigate without him.

Williams’ return to Los Angeles wasn’t just a sentimental thing; the Chargers were actually counting on him to be one of the team’s top pass catchers. Now, with him no longer in the plans, the team must adjust. Of course, Los Angeles can look to free agents and trade candidates, but there’s a more obvious move the team needs to handle first: signing Tre Harris.

The Chargers drafted Harris in the second round of the 2025 Draft, but the wide receiver was one of nearly all the second-round picks holding out for a fully-guaranteed contract. With Williams now retired, and training camp already underway, Los Angeles needs to get a deal done with Harris asap.

Chargers need to sign Tre Harris immediately following Mike Williams’ retirement

Second-round picks of the 2025 Draft have been in a standoff with NFL teams this offseason. After the Houston Texans gave Jayden Higgins a fully-guaranteed contract in May, and the Cleveland Browns followed suit with their second rounder Carson Schwesinger, the other 30 second-round picks remained unsigned as they also sought fully-guaranteed deals.

It wasn’t until Wednesday when another second rounder signed, as the San Francisco 49ers got a deal down with Alfred Collins. The deal, worth $10.3 million, has over $9 million in guarantees. Since that contract got done, two other second-round picks have since signed their deals.

Harris and the Chargers need to be next. With Los Angeles already in camp, reps will be extremely important for the rookie receiver, who will now play a big role for the offense in his first year. Los Angeles can’t afford to waste anymore time.

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