Over the last five years since selecting quarterback Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers' offense has been building up to the moment of being about to be one of the league's top units.
It was a bit of a disappointment last year, as they finished 20th in total offense, averaging 324.2 yards per game. This offseason, they added Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton to split carries in the backfield. They also drafted Tre Harris in the NFL Draft in the hopes he can gel well with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in the expansive receiver room.
One other addition at wide receiver is ready to bounce back after a rough 2024 season.
Chargers might have sleeper star at wide receiver entering minicamp
CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin named seven players who could make some noise during minicamp. Benjamin likes Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams to explode onto the scene in his return to LA.
"Familiarity is key here. Williams endured an ugly 2024 season away from Los Angeles, bouncing between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers after the Chargers said farewell in a cost-cutting move. Yet his return to the Bolts could do wonders for the rest of his career. Now paired with the savvy and fresh-legged Ladd McConkey, Williams should be freed up to stretch the field as a secondary outlet forJustin Herbert. And there's no better time to go deep on cover men than in the spring, where the contact is minimal and the grass is green for sprinting."
Williams played for the New York Jets to start the 2024 season, but was not heavily involved in the passing game with just 12 catches for 166 yards. He would go on to finish the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where it wasn't much better, with nine receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown in nine games.
Before 2024, Williams was a starter with the Chargers at wide receiver after being selected seventh overall in 2017. He had two seasons with 1,000-yard performances and one season in 2018 with 10 touchdown catches.
McConkey and Johnston have already solidified themselves as starters at wide receiver going into the new season. Williams will have to compete with the rookie Harris to earn playing time in the starting lineup.
At six feet, four inches, Williams is better built as an outside receiver, while Harris is more of a slot receiver. That might leave Williams out of the starting lineup and having to rotate into the game or move into the slot receiver position.
The look of the Chargers' wide receiver room might be the deepest that Herbert has had during his career. Williams will have to make the most of the great connection he and Herbert had just a couple of years ago.
This could end up being a fun season for the Chargers' passing game if Williams can return to his old form.