Mike Williams surprised everyone when he announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons in the league. This leaves the Los Angeles Chargers without one of their key receivers for the upcoming season, and they will likely seek a replacement for his role. Here are five of the best names for the Chargers to consider.
What Are the Los Angeles Chargers’ Options After Mike Williams’ Retirement?
Williams’ retirement puts the Chargers in a tough spot. His return was anticipated to provide a veteran presence alongside Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and rookie Tre Harris.
Without him, the team lacks a reliable, experienced target. They’ll need to enter the market to fill this void and offer Justin Herbert a more consistent receiving group.
1) Terry McLaurin
The first name that comes to mind has to be Terry McLaurin. The wide receiver is currently in a contract dispute with the Washington Commanders and, according to reports, the two sides aren’t even close to an agreement.
Terry McLaurin grabs his second TD right before half!
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McLaurin would be an extremely high-quality target to play on the outside in this system, opening up a wider range of possibilities in the passing game. Currently, the Chargers lack a reliable outside receiver beyond McConkey, who is more limited to the slot.
A trade, however, would involve a new contract, and discussions would likely start around $32 million annually.
2) Jauan Jennings
Here’s another wide receiver in a contract dispute who could be traded if the parties don’t agree. Jauan Jennings is coming off his best professional season for the San Francisco 49ers and wants a contract that reflects his new role, not just as a supporting player, but as a primary wide receiver in his system.
The difference in this case is that the Chargers would pay significantly less to acquire him and sign a new contract. Jennings would likely accept a deal in the range of $20 million annually, which would cost a mid-round draft pick to take him away from the 49ers.
3) Keenan Allen
If Williams was meant to fill a veteran role, why not have another familiar face return home? Allen built his entire career in Los Angeles, playing there for 11 years, and left in 2024 to play for the Chicago Bears, where he had a supporting role year with 744 yards and seven touchdowns.
Caleb Williams DART to Keenan Allen for the 45-yard TD
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Allen would be a less prominent target at this point in his career, but he has chemistry with Herbert and could help relieve pressure on the younger players in the scheme. This could especially be true in the red zone and on short third-down plays. While Allen may lack athleticism now, he has abundant experience.
4) Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper is another veteran presence who is still without a team but can still contribute as a member of a receiving committee. His time with the Buffalo Bills was not as productive, but a mid-season trade did not help him adapt, as he was only Josh Allen’s fourth target in most games.
However, considering the cost-opportunity ratio, this would be a brilliant addition. Cooper would cost less than trading for Jennings and McLaurin; he is two years younger than Allen.
5) Gabriel Davis
Gabriel Davis’s career has declined over the last two years, and he remains unsigned this offseason even after visiting multiple teams. For a complementary role, a gamble on Davis would be worthwhile for Los Angeles, considering he was a decisive player in the playoffs for the Buffalo Bills three seasons ago.
Davis is the youngest of all the names mentioned, at 26 years old. He’s looking to recapture his best on-field football efforts. Davis found success as a complement in a system with Allen. He could replicate that role with Herbert, but now on a contract that better reflects his value and on-field production.
