The Chargers needed to revive the wide receiver position, and they began the process by reuniting with Mike Williams earlier this offseason.
Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick and Chad Wasserman identified Williams as the biggest X-factor for Los Angeles ahead of the 2025 regular season.
The Chargers released Williams last offseason after he spent the first seven seasons with the team. He went on to sign with the Jets, appearing in nine games and finishing with 12 catches for 166 yards. Williams was traded to the Steelers midway through the season, and played in nine games and posted nine receptions for 132 yards and a TD.
Williams was one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets in his first four NFL seasons. The veteran wideout was a go-to option down the field, with his knack for coming down with the football in 50-50 situations. In that span, Williams caught 206 passes for 3,046 yards and 19 touchdowns.
With a young wide receiver room that now includes second-round pick Tre Harris, Williams' veteran presence will be imperative to their growth. Having Williams and Harris on the outside will take some of the attention from Ladd McConkey, who set multiple records in his rookie campaign.
It's important that Williams can stay healthy, as he has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his professional career, including a season-ending knee injury in his last stint with the Bolts in 2023.