Chargers Ex Mike Williams: Sign With Commanders?

The Washington Commanders have already made several moves in free agency, but with the Los Angeles Chargers releasing veteran receiver Mike Williams, could he be a target?

The Washington Commanders, as expected, have been very active since the free agency period opened. Dan Quinn and his team have filled several roster holes on both sides of the ball with no less than 12 new acquisitions for the team.

But for all the new arrivals, receiver hasn't been one of them (although Austin Ekeler is a good option in the pass game). This is where the Los Angeles Chargers may have done Washington a favor.

The Chargers released veteran receiver Mike Williams, saving $20 million against the cap, and in doing so, could give Washington another offensive avenue to explore.

With the offense seemingly having a new quarterback depending on what the Commanders do with the No. 2 overall pick, adding another receiver weapon to complement Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson could prove benefiticial.

Now, Williams is coming off an ACL injury suffered last season, so exactly how healthy he will be in 2024 is unknown. We know that as a general rule, players in their first season post-injury aren't the "same" player they once were - it takes time.

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For Washington, there is a potential scenerio where it loses Curtis Samuel as The Athletic is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have held contract talks with the receiver.

This opens up a spot on offense for Williams.

Given his injury history, one might baulk at the idea of luring the 6-4, 218lb receiver to Washington, but he would likely not command a sizable fee and given the Commanders' salary cap situation, it is in a position to still do deals despite the influx of players already signed.

With McLaurin and Dotson, the Commanders have the speed, but they lack a pure, physcial reciever - enter Williams.

Still only 29 years old, Williams could still have plenty to offer as in his three games prior to his injury, he totaled 249 yards and a touchdown on just 19 receptions while averaging 83 yards per game. That'll work.

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The Commanders have been very active in free agency thus far, putting pieces together as Quinn looks to kickstart the new era with a bang. 

And now that Williams has become available, adding an experience receiver to their ranks for the incoming quarterback (we think) could prove to be a shrewd move.