3 additions that would make Chargers a true playoff contender in 2024

Darious Williams would make the Chargers a true playoff contender

Darious Williams was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars for salary cap reasons and he became one of the best cornerbacks available on the market. Williams is on the wrong side of 30 and that is naturally going to limit his contract value, which could put him in range for the Chargers.

It would all depend on how high the bidding goes and how much salary-cap space the Chargers can create. But with the cap being higher than initially projected, there absolutely is a world in which the Chargers can sign Williams to a deal that pays him $8-10 million this season.

Williams being released actually makes it more likely that the Chargers will take a chance on signing him. Since he was released, Williams does not factor into the compensatory pick formula and would not prevent the Chargers from getting picks if Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett leave.

Pro Football Focus grades are flawed by Williams had the fifth-highest coverage grade among all cornerbacks last season. The former Rams cornerback allowed a 69.6 passer rating when targeted, which was the sixth-lowest among all cornerbacks with 500 coverage snaps last season. Williams stayed on the field as well, as his 705 coverage snaps were the second-most in the league.

The Chargers need cornerback help and adding Williams to Asante Samuel Jr. and Deane Leonard could give the team good results without having to draft a cornerback in round two.