Justin Herbert Faces Heartbreaking Blow as Mike Williams Retires Before Camp

The Los Angeles Chargers got hit with a terrible news that longtime wide receiver Mike Williams, who recently re-signed with team, has retired.

Justin Herbert Faces Heartbreaking Blow as Mike Williams Retires Before Camp

Justin Herbert and Mike Williams (Image via IMAGO)

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The unpredictability of football hit Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers like a freight train on Thursday after veteran wide receiver Mike Williams announced his retirement from football. Williams is 30 years old.

According to the latest ESPN poll on the top 10 NFL quarterbacks, Jeremy Fowler pointed out that Herbert’s pass attempts per game dipped from 35.0 to 29.6 year over year. It was partly down to Greg Roman’s run-heavy attack and the absence of a proven pass catcher.

Keenan Allen left for a new adventure, and Williams also followed him out the door. Allen switched over to the NFC, but Williams stayed in the AFC to play for the New York Jets.

Williams could not pass up the golden opportunity to play with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers and Williams were at odds with each other, and the Jets traded the former 7th overall pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers declined to extend Williams’ stay in Pittsburgh, leaving him to find a new home through free agency. Jim Harbaugh decided to reunite Herbert and Williams once again. A one-year $6 million deal was signed in March of this year.

Concerning news popped up on Adam Schefter’s tab as the Chargers announced placing Williams on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List on July 14. Two days later, Williams’ agent, Torey Dandy, announced to the Chargers that his client had decided to retire from football.

Chargers editorial director Eric Smith asked Justin Herbert about Williams’ retirement; the Pro Bowler responded (H/T: Chargers official transcript).

I want what’s best for Mike. He’s always been there for us, and we’re going to be there for him. It’s obviously a tough situation. I’ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player, and as the man that he is. We’re going to be there for him however we can help.

Williams played eight seasons in the NFL. He played in 106 games, starting 67, and recorded 330 catches for 5104 yards and 32 touchdowns. 2021 can be marked as his best season, with 76 catches for 1146 yards and 9 touchdowns from 16 games.

At Clemson, Williams played alongside current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. In four college football seasons, Williams caught 177 passes for 2727 yards (averaging 15.4 yards per catch) and 21 touchdowns.

What are the alternatives for Justin Herbert and the Chargers to fill the void left by Mike Williams’ retirement?

BetMGM documented that the Chargers’ receivers dropped a total of 33 passes in 2024 (fifth most). Rookie Ladd McConkey was the only receiver to cross 1000 yards. Right behind McConkey was Quentin Johnston with 711 yards, but 40% of them came in two games.

Justin Herbert Faces Heartbreaking Blow as Mike Williams Retires Before Camp
Justin Herbert (Image via IMAGO)

Harbaugh identified Williams as the best option and brought him back. However, he retired.

There are a few quality receivers in free agency whom the Chargers can look at. Among the biggest wide receiver names that are up for grabs are Allen, Amari Cooper, and DJ Chark. Allen has spoken with the Chargers brass about a possible return to LA.

The Chargers must fill the roster spot or risk traveling to Brazil for the week one clash against the Kansas City Chiefs with McConkey, Johnston, and second-round rookie Tre Harris.

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