Chargers’ cost-saving moves hamper Jim Harbaugh in building his first roster

Eric Williams

NFC West Writer

The official start of free agency for Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz was more about getting the team’s financial house in order than about selecting new additions for the upcoming year.

During his introductory press conference last month, Harbaugh said he wanted to build a tough, resilient, relentless and physical football team.

Well, add another description to the ledger: affordable. 

On Wednesday, Harbaugh’s Chargers moved on from receiver Mike Williams, one of the most talented players drafted by the franchise over the past decade. 

The Chargers needed to clear more than $25 million in cap space before the start of free agency. Veterans Khalil Mack, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa and Williams accounted for a total of $67.5 million in base salary for the upcoming season and more than $142 million against the salary cap. So Harbaugh and Hortiz had to make some moves to restructure, trade or release those foundational players in order to become cap compliant by Wednesday afternoon. 

Los Angeles released Williams, saving $20 million against the salary cap. According to reports, the Chargers are amenable to Williams returning, but the Clemson product figures to be a hot commodity on the open market despite missing most of the 2023 season with a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in Week 3. 

In seven seasons with the Bolts, Williams had 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns. He had a flare for hauling in dramatic, acrobatic catches in crucial moments of games. However, Williams turns 30 in October and has dealt with his share of injuries that limited his production. He missed 18 games over the past two seasons and has made it through just one full year healthy in his career. 

Los Angeles drafted Quentin Johnston in the first-round last year as a potential replacement for Williams, although the TCU product struggled through an underwhelming…

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Publish date : 2024-03-13 22:22:38

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