The Los Angeles Chargers announced four roster adjustments on Friday, notably placing veteran wide receiver Mike Williams on the reserve/left squad list. This move came after Williams decided to retire from the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL at the start of training camp last month. By placing him on this list, the Chargers retain his rights should he choose to return to the league in the future.
Additional Roster Changes Affect Several Players
Alongside Williams’ roster update, wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick and defensive back Jordan Oladokun reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers. The team also waived tight end Jordan Petaia from injured reserve with an injury settlement. These moves reflect the Chargers’ ongoing efforts to manage player availability and roster flexibility as the season progresses.
Mike Williams’ Career and Contract History with the Chargers
Mike Williams, age 30, was drafted seventh overall by the Chargers from Clemson in 2017. He entered the offseason under a contract that initially included a four-year deal worth $19.75 million, with a $12.50 million signing bonus, after the Chargers exercised his fifth-year option. Williams’ base salary under that option came to $15.68 million for the 2021 season.
In 2022, he avoided free agency by signing a three-year, $60 million contract extension with Los Angeles. However, the Chargers later released him despite the remaining value of $29 million across the final two years, including base salaries of $12 million and $17 million. Afterward, Williams signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets worth up to $15 million before being traded midseason to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following the conclusion of that contract, he returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal this past offseason.
Williams’ Performance and Career Impact
In the 2024 season, Williams appeared in 18 games split between the Jets and Steelers, recording 21 receptions for 298 yards and scoring one touchdown. Over his eight-year career, predominantly with the Chargers, he participated in 106 games, accumulated 330 receptions for 5,104 yards at an average of 15.5 yards per catch, and scored 33 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed as a rusher with 10 attempts for 34 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Significance of the Roster Move and Future Considerations
Placing Mike Williams on the reserve/left squad list signals the Chargers’ interest in maintaining control over the veteran receiver’s NFL rights amid his unexpected retirement. Should Williams reconsider and decide to return to professional football, the Chargers would have priority to reinstate him. This roster management technique allows the team to plan for both the present and potential future scenarios involving a key player with a significant track record for the franchise.