Mike Williams’ retirement came out of nowhere. He had just re-signed with the LA Chargers this offseason on a one-year, $6 million deal, hoping for one more run with Justin Herbert. Instead, at age 30, after eight seasons, he’s walking away from the game, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent Tory Dandy informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com/f97JzkcYHj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
That news immediately shifts the Chargers’ wide receiver outlook. Ladd McConkey is the clear WR1, but the rest of the group is very much up in the air. Quentin Johnston still hasn’t proven he can consistently separate. Tre Harris is an unsigned rookie. Brenden Rice, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Jalen Reagor are fighting for snaps.
There’s some talent in the room, but no clear deep threat or true WR2.
This is where Jameson Williams comes into the picture. The Detroit Lions have already had to publicly deny trade rumors, and this might not help. The Chargers might now be the most logical fit.
Chargers could test Lions’ stance on Jameson Williams trade rumors
There’s no denying Williams played well in 2024. He finally gave Detroit what they envisioned when they traded up for him in the 2022 NFL Draft, posting 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 catches. He also ranked second in the NFL with 17.3 yards per reception. His breakout finally happened. But so did everything else—injury setbacks, off-field nonsense, and now a looming financial situation... burden... nightmare—whatever you want to call it.
The Lions picked up his fifth-year option, locking in a $15.49 million salary for 2026. That’s fine for now. But they’ve already paid Amon-Ra St. Brown and still need to pay Aidan Hutchinson—among others. If Williams puts together another strong season, his market value could push toward $25–30 million annually. That’s a hard number to justify for a player with durability history, especially if he’s still playing as a WR2 behind St. Brown.
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The Bolts just lost a big-bodied vertical threat. They don’t have much time to wait on Harris to develop, and Johnston hasn’t shown he’s ready, or that he'll ever be. Williams gives them the speed, field-stretching ability, and upside they lack. And for Justin Herbert, he’d be playing with the best deep-ball receiver he’s had yet. He could help transform Herbert's career instantly.
Detroit has no reason to move him now unless the right offer comes. But if Williams starts strong again in 2025, and the Chargers are still hunting for receiver help, the pressure could mount. The retirement of Mike Williams just made it a little harder to say they’re not interested.
If Williams is going anywhere, LA just became the destination that makes the most sense.