There is no question about it that the Detroit Lions need some help when it comes to the wide receiver position.
One player that had been mentioned by some as a potential target for the Lions is WR Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Well, the Williams to the Lions ship has sailed as he has reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal.
Chargers and WR Mike Williams reached agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed and $28 million in year one, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
Pro Football Focus projected for Williams to get a four-year deal that would have paid him $17.5 million per season. He surpassed that number.
From Pro Football Focus:
Williams picked a great season to break out and become a consistent player week in and week out, topping his previous season-high for receptions by Week 12. After a blazing start the first three weeks of the campaign, during which Williams ranked fifth in receptions (22), sixth in receiving yards (295) and tied for second in explosive plays (8), he slowed down a bit. Yet, he still finished with a fourth straight 70.0-plus season grade and a career-best 76 receptions for 1,146 yards (15.1 yards per reception, fourth straight season averaging over 15 yards per reception). Williams is a big play waiting to happen with rare physical tools.
Strengths:
– The vertical route tree
– Size
– Contested catches
Weaknesses:
– Injury history
– Underneath pass patterns
– Quickness
Scheme Fit/Role:
DEEP THREAT & RED-ZONE TARGET: Mike Williams has intimidating size and leaping ability that has made him a specialist deep down the field and in the red zone. He lacks the short-area quickness to be a complete receiver but is an excellent complementary piece when healthy. He could be a fit for a team like Philadelphia that doesn’t currently have that skill set, or Washington who needs a legitimate No. 2 opposite Terry McLaurin.
Recent Injury History:
Williams has a fairly extensive injury history in the NFL, though they typically haven’t caused him to miss much time. His playing style tends to be pretty attritional and may cause him to play banged up pretty consistently.
Contract Projection: Four years, $70 million ($17.5M per year, $40 million total guaranteed)
Bottom Line:
Williams is showing that he can be an elite big-play threat within an offense. A player who may not have a complete skill set, he nevertheless would feature well in most offenses in the league.