Mike Williams returned to a familiar place in free agency, as the veteran wide receiver signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Chargers after the team selected him with the No.7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
It’s no secret that 2024 was a rough year for Williams. The 30-year-old was released by the Chargers last offseason and joined the Jets on a one-year deal to play with Aaron Rodgers. However, Williams struggled to build chemistry with Rodgers and wasn’t a great fit in New York’s offense. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 trade deadline but wasn’t a significant contributor for them either.
Williams finished the 2024 campaign with just 21 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown. He also became the second player in the modern era to play 18 games in a season.
Williams heading back to Los Angeles, where he had the most success, may lead to a bounce-back season for the dynamic receiver. However, Williams opened up about his tumultuous season last year during a press conference on Thursday.
“Well yeah, I feel like, cause last year was terrible. Honestly, like it was terrible. Probably the worst year I had in the league by far. I’m just putting it in the past. Just getting back to what I’m used to doing and having fun.” Williams said when asked if he has something to prove in 2025.
Mike Williams on if he has something to prove this season: “Well yeah, I feel like, cause last year was terrible. Honestly, like it was terrible.” pic.twitter.com/yZbRufb4mi
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) March 14, 2025
The former Clemson standout also stated that he’s excited to work with Ladd McConkey and believes he’ll learn from the young star receiver while also being a mentor.
“Just being that guy that Keenan [Allen] was to me … I’m going to take some things from him. I mean, he had an awesome season. I had a terrible season, so maybe I need to learn something from him,” Williams said.
Mike Williams on mentoring Ladd McConkey: “Just being that guy that Keenan was to me … I’m going to take some things from him. I mean, he had an awesome season. I had a terrible season, so maybe I need to learn something from him.” pic.twitter.com/g46oqevYPW
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) March 14, 2025
It’s clear that Williams is hungry to have a career resurgence in 2025, and he may show that the Steelers made a mistake moving on from him.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
Najee Harris throws shade at Steelers in Chargers introductory press conference
Aaron Rodgers predicted to join AFC contender or opt for retirement
Read the full article here
