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First domino falls as Los Angeles Chargers try to tackle their tricky salary cap situation in free agency

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 3/13/24

The first domino has fallen amid a tricky salary cap situation in Los Angeles. The Chargers announced on Wednesday that they will be releasing star wide receiver, Mike Williams. He was set to count $20 million against the cap this year and the team desperately needed to find a way to reach salary cap compliance.

Albert Breer had the dollars and figures breakdown Wednesday afternoon. The move will save almost $8 million against the cap this season, while also allowing them to keep key franchise players Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, and Khalil Mack.

The Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, which will save them $20 million against the cap (reducing his charge to a dead-money total of $12.46 million). Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack remain as players with cap figures topping $30 million.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 13, 2024

It's sad to see Mike Williams go. He is a highly talented wide receiver who just simply struggled to stay healthy in recent years. The team was just left with no other great option as they tackle their salary cap situation.

With one move the Chargers were able to reach salary cap compliance and begin to consider other options for the NFL off-season. There will certainly be other restructured deals and difficult choices to come as the team tries to improve ahead of the 2024 season.

Ian Rapoport and the rest of the NFL Network crew had the details immediately (in post below).

From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Chargers have released WR Mike Williams, who will draw significant interest on the free agent market. The team is now cap compliant. pic.twitter.com/3wSnnYasMm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024

Mike Williams will most certainly garner significant interest on the free agent market now as the top remaining names available are most likely Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) and Marquise Brown (Cardinals). Williams has logged two 1000-yard seasons and a five-year streak with at least 664 receiving yards in his seven season career.

More to come on the Chargers and where Mike Williams lands here at A to Z Sports. Follow us on X (Twitter) @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news from around the league too.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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