NFL free agency begins next week. But the news, rumors, and speculation are already in high gear. Stay on top of all essential 2022 free agency news for Sunday, March 6, with updates from our entire staff.
NFL Free Agency News and Rumors: Chargers could block Chiefs for Mike Williams
The Los Angeles Chargers want to stay in business with standout wide receiver Mike Williams, one of the biggest downfield targets in the game.
Williams, a 6-foot-4, 218-pound former Clemson standout and first-round draft pick, is expected to be assigned a $19.127 million franchise tender by Tuesday afternoon’s NFL deadline with no contract extension imminent, per league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Although the Chargers intend to not allow Williams to go to free agency, another AFC West rival is looming to make a run at him should he be available.
The Kansas City Chiefs are among multiple teams with interest and research into Williams should he become an unrestricted free agent heading into March 16, the official day of the free agency signing period. The Chiefs envision having another dangerous wide receiver to work in tandem with Tyreek Hill, a speedy six-time Pro Bowl selection who’s negotiating with Kansas City on an extension expected pay to him in the neighborhood of $21.25 million annually, if not more, sources tell PFN’s Aaron Wilson.
Williams, 27, caught a career-high 76 passes for 1,146 yards and 9 touchdowns on 129 targets last season, emerging as quarterback Justin Herbert’s go-to guy. Williams wants to stay with the Chargers, too.
He told Los Angeles reporters at the end of the season he wanted to not leave the Chargers, saying: “I would like to, I don’t like changes. I have lifelong friendships here.”
Williams, if he got a new contract, would likely seek a raise on the $15.68 million fifth-year option he played under last season.
More NFL free agency news
- Mitchell Trubisky looks to have a robust market in free agency. Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reported Saturday that the Giants and Steelers are among the teams interested in giving Trubisky a chance to compete for their starting job. Trubisky helped rehab his career with a successful year as Josh Allen’s backup in Buffalo after an unsuccessful run as Chicago’s QB1.
- Chargers pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu likewise should draw real interest in free agency if the Chargers unexpectedly let him bolt. We hear that Nwosu, a Los Angeles native, prefers to remain with his hometown team. However, the Colts, Packers, Bills, and Jets would all be in the mix if the two sides can’t agree on a deal.