One year after he was unceremoniously cut for salary-cap reasons, wide receiver Mike Williams is back with the LA Chargers. Williams is signing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million to return to the team that he once called home.
The Williams' reunion has been a bright spot in what has otherwise been a disappointing offseason for the Chargers. While he is coming off a down year split between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, Williams gives the Chargers a true X receiver who Justin Herbert has comfort throwing to.
Signing Williams to an incentive-based deal worth $6 million at most is a savvy move by the Bolts. It would be disappointing if Williams was the only addition the Chargers made to the receiver room. However, with Williams back in the fold, there is an obvious move the Bolts should make next.
Chargers should sign Keenan Allen after signing Mike Williams
Let's not stop at Mike Williams. The Chargers should re-sign Keenan Allen to get the band back together.
It has been a debated topic whether or not the Chargers should reunite with Allen this offseason. There is some overlap between he and Ladd McConkey but on the flip side, Allen has been very clear about his desire to only play in Chicago or Los Angeles.
With the Bears spending big on the offensive line and the Rams signing Davante Adams, the Chargers are the only team left. While he had a better season than Williams in 2024, Allen could wind up getting a slightly higher deal that has the same incentive-based structure.
Fit alongside Ladd McConkey aside, would it really be a bad thing to sign Allen to a short-term deal where he can make up to $10-12 million a year if he hits incentives? Probably not.
The Chargers would essentially recreate Justin Herbert's old supporting cast but with Ladd McConkey as the new WR1. Williams and Allen may not be the top-tier wideouts Chargers fans were hoping for this offseason, but their familiarity with Herbert is the next best thing.
Sure, in a vacuum, it may not be the best long-term play for the Chargers to chase previous results by bringing these two back in. In reality, the Chargers' receiver options are limited. Allen, Amari Cooper, Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs are all available and all have similar red flags.
If the Chargers are going to choose between receivers on the wrong side of 30 with red flags, they might as well choose the one who has experience playing with the team's star quarterback.