Chargers release Mike Williams to save $20M, get under NFL's salary cap

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The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday they released veteran wide receiver Mike Williams to get below the salary cap for the 2024 season. 

Williams’ release saves the Chargers $20 million in salary cap room, but Williams will still cost the franchise $12.46 million in dead cap space. 

The move was a necessity for the Chargers because they had to get under the $255.4 million salary cap by 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, and Williams became a free agent. 

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Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in an AFC wild-card playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium Jan. 6, 2019, in Baltimore. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Los Angeles, despite making headlines earlier this offseason by hiring Jim Harbaugh to become their new head coach, knew they had to make tough roster decisions because they were well over the salary cap. 

They released veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, and they let Austin Ekeler go to the Washington Commanders in free agency. 

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The Chargers were, however, able to renegotiate Khalil Mack’s contract for the 2024 season to create more cap room and keep him with the team. They also signed running back Gus Edwards, tight end Will Dissly and safety Alohi Gilman. 

Williams was selected seventh overall by the Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft and formed a top receiving tandem for years with Keenan Allen. Known for his contested catch ability, Williams had a breakout year in 2019, totaling 1,001 yards on just