Following a relatively uneventful stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver Mike Williams will be a free agent at the start of the 2025 league year. A first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams tore his ACL in 2023 and was released by the Chargers early in 2024. The veteran signed with the New York Jets, but the team quickly traded him to Pittsburgh after he failed to establish a rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In total, this unfortunate circumstance led Williams to finish the season with just 21 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown.
Because of his slow season, Pro Football Focus believes Williams won’t cost much on the open market and could be the perfect signing for the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore could use another wide receiver, but it doesn’t have much cap space, so the football analysis website believes the former first-round pick could be an ideal fit with the Ravens.
“One potential target to fill in nicely as a big-bodied X receiver could be Mike Williams. While he struggled in 2024, another offseason to regain his form post-ACL surgery in 2023 could pay dividends.”
PFF: Ravens Could Steal Free Agent Mike Williams From Steelers
While Mike Williams used to be one of the league’s better perimeter threats and contested catch specialists, he’s entering his age-31 season and is coming off a disappointing campaign with two separate franchises. Because of this, it’s safe to assume he won’t command much more than a one-year, league-minimum contract. This is fantastic news for the Ravens, as they don’t have much money to spend. As of this posting, the team has just $12.76 million in cap space and must try to retain offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and versatile lineman Patrick Mekari.
It shouldn’t cost much to take Mike Williams away from the Steelers, and the Ravens don’t need a superstar. Rashod Bateman and Pro Bowler Zay Flowers are adequate starters, but this team could use more depth at the receiver position. They tried to get that last year with the Diontae Johnson trade, but that transaction blew up in their face. While he is technically under contract with Baltimore, it’s safe to assume he won’t suit up for the team in 2025. Williams should be more comfortable with a depth role and his skillset is different from what the Ravens currently have.
Of course, the Ravens won’t be the only team interested in kicking the tires on Mike Williams. While he won’t command a massive salary, he could find a home with the following teams.
Other Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers primarily cut Mike Williams because of his massive cap hit. This proved to be a wise decision, as he didn’t come close to justifying what would have been a $20 million investment. However, now that he’s available for basically nothing, Los Angeles should be interested in a reunion. The Chargers have one of the worst wide receiver depth charts in football, and Williams has an established rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert. If he’s going to revive his career anywhere, it will probably be with the Chargers.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys only have $2.4 million in cap space and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones already told fans they won’t spend big in free agency. Injuries ruined the 2024 iteration of the Cowboys, but a healthy version of the club can compete with some small additions. CeeDee Lamb is great, but the Cowboys could use another complementary receiver. Seeing as money is tight, stealing Mike Williams from the Steelers might be the best chance at landing a reliable playmaker.
Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown are impending free agents, and the Chiefs have bigger players to focus on in the coming weeks. Star guard Trey Smith and homegrown talent Nick Bolton are both set to reach the open market, and Kansas City probably prioritizes those two over the veteran receivers. Rashee Rice and first-round pick Xavier Worthy are dependable starters, but this team could use an outside weapon like Mike Williams to win in contested situations.
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