Cut Mike Williams to free up $20 million
Unfortunately, Mike Williams does not have the same value as Khalil Mack. In the best-case scenario, the Chargers would be able to trade both Mack and Williams for draft capital as the money saved would be the same. In the worst-case scenario, the Chargers would have to cut both players.
In the most realistic scenario, the Chargers will end up trading Mack and will have to cut ties with Williams and absorb his dead cap hit. Thankfully, it will still free up $20 million in cap space by doing this.
Williams undoubtedly has a huge impact on the Chargers offense and there was a noticeable difference when he was not on the field last season. The Chargers are going to have to find a way to replace his contested-catch ability, which is a lot easier said than done.
All that being said, Williams is as injury prone as it comes, is coming off a torn ACL, has hit 30 years old, and has a cap hit of $32.46 million. We have to be realistic and realize that as impactful as Williams can be, he simply is not worth a massive cap hit with all the risks.
Harbaugh hasn't said a word about Williams this offseason, which all but confirms his departure from Los Angeles. Don't be surprised when the news breaks that the team has cut the 2017 first-round pick.