Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) reacts after a first down against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After sorting out the quarterback situation, the Patriots’ primary concern lies with their wide receiver position. Despite various options being suggested, none have materialized into actual acquisitions. The team missed out on Calvin Ridley, who chose Tennessee, and failed to secure Keenan Allen in a trade, as he was instead sent to the Bears for a fourth-round pick.
Looking ahead, the Patriots must find both short-term and long-term solutions at receiver. While the NFL draft offers the chance for long-term prospects, an immediate boost is needed to revitalize their lackluster receiving corps. One potential candidate, Mike Williams from the Chargers, stands out as a low-risk option. Despite being 30 years old and recovering from a knee injury that limited his appearances last season, Williams boasts two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
According to Bleacher Report, the Patriots are viewed as a suitable destination for Williams, despite the risks involved. The site notes that while Williams is recuperating from a torn ACL and was released by the Chargers due to financial constraints, he remains one of the top available wide receivers in free agency and warrants a significant contract.
Mike Williams Tore ACL at Terrible Time
The Patriots present a logical choice for Williams, provided the financial terms align. They don’t necessarily require a long-term fix for their receiver deficiency; instead, they need someone who can make an impact this season and offer a consistent threat on the outside.
New England offers an appealing opportunity for Williams to rejuvenate his career, where he would likely assume the role of the primary option. While Bleacher Report suggests the Cardinals and Colts as potential alternatives, the Patriots stand out due to their financial flexibility and the chance for Williams to shine.
With a sparse receiving group and ample cap space, the Patriots could provide Williams with the ideal environment to thrive. Despite playing only three games last season due to injury, Williams showcased his potential with 19 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown. Notably, he demonstrated his WR1 capabilities with an impressive performance in Week 3, tallying seven catches for 121 yards despite exiting the game early due to the ACL tear.
Williams had recently entered the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract extension inked in 2022.
Patriots Receiving Corps Remains Very Weak
While Mike Williams might not seem like the ideal addition for a team in rebuilding mode like the Patriots, the organization is determined to bounce back from their disappointing 4-13 season in 2023 and return to competitiveness in 2024. Signing Williams to a one-year deal would carry minimal risk while helping to reshape the team’s receiving depth chart.
Currently, the Patriots’ top receiver is Kendrick Bourne, who is typically better suited to a secondary role on a stronger team and is also recovering from a torn ACL. Despite this, Demario Douglas emerged as a standout performer as a rookie sixth-round pick last season, leading the team’s receivers with 561 yards on 49 receptions. While veteran DeVante Parker has departed, Juju Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton, both of whom have struggled to live up to expectations, remain on the roster.
Although Williams may not be a perfect match for the Patriots’ situation, he represents a good fit given their circumstances. Given where the team currently stands, this should suffice in addressing their needs at the receiver position.
