The Indianapolis Colts should keep adding skilled players if they want to give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson the best chance to succeed.
That’s why Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon believes Indy is one of the “best fits” for free-agent wide receiver Mike Williams.
“If Williams is looking to join a playoff threat, the Indianapolis Colts would be a quality landing spot,” Kenyon wrote on March 16.
What to Know About Mike Williams
Williams, 29, was a first-round pick — seventh overall — of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 from Clemson.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 218 pounds, Williams doesn’t have the speed to beat opposing secondaries (he ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at his Clemson Pro Day). However, he has the technique and physicality to win downfield, evident in his 15.6 yards per catch during his NFL career, according to Pro Football Reference.
The biggest issue with Williams is his injury history. Throughout his six-year NFL career, Williams has missed a total of 39 games due to injuries ranging from his neck down to his ankle. His most recent injury was a torn ACL suffered on September 24, 2023.
Despite the injuries, Williams has shown moments of excellence when healthy. He caught 309 passes for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns during his time with the Chargers.
Williams is a free agent this offseason due to finances. By releasing Williams on March 13, the start of the new league year, the Chargers saved $20 million in cap space, according to ESPN.
Throughout his NFL career, Williams has earned $75.5 million, per Spotrac.
Does Mike Williams Make Sense for Colts?
Indy isn’t getting the consistent playmaking downfield they need from third-year wideout Alec Pierce. So bringing in another pass catcher that can challenge opposing secondaries deep makes sense for the team.
Williams fits the mold of what the Colts need in their receiver room. But the money will ultimately determine whether this marriage will ever happen.
If Williams is willing to sign a one-year, incentive-laden deal — a prove-it deal — that would give Indy the flexibility to add at several other positions in free agency while also acquiring a talented veteran receiver with little financial risk. That would also allow Williams — if he stays healthy and performs well during the 2024 season — to re-enter free agency in 2025 and get a bigger contract.
According to Over The Cap, the Colts have $22.6 million in cap space.
Indy’s current receiving group includes Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, D.J. Montgomery, Ethan Fernea, and Terrell Bynum.
Mike Williams Set to Visit With 3 Teams: Report
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 17, Williams is scheduled to visit with three teams this week: the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Schefter also noted that, despite being cut by Los Angeles, the Chargers are interested in re-signing Williams.
Based on the fact that Williams suffered the torn ACL very early during the 2023 regular season, he is expected to be fully recovered by the start of the 2024 season.
Williams will become 30 years old on October 4.
