The Los Angeles Chargers kicked off their 2025 training camp on Thursday, but they got some stunning news as veteran wide receiver Mike Williams announced his retirement from the NFL. Williams had rejoined the Chargers this offseason on a one-year deal after splitting time with the Jets and Steelers in 2024.
Williams was just recently put on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning that he would miss the start of training camp. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Williams’ agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team on Tuesday night that his client was retiring from the NFL at the age of 30.
Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent Tory Dandy informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com/f97JzkcYHj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
Many Chargers fans will remember Williams, who was drafted seventh overall by the Chargers back in 2017 out of Clemson, as injury-prone and was never able to fulfill his potential. He finished his career with 330 catches, 5104 yards, and 32 touchdowns.
Williams was expected to provide veteran leadership and a reliable red zone target for quarterback Justin Herbert. But now, the Chargers are left with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and rookie Tre Harris. Harris is was a holdout, and before agreeing to terms on Thursday.
With Williams' sudden retirement, both the fans and analysts alike will point to one obvious solution: A reunion with Keenan Allen, who is still a free agent.
Will Keenan Allen answers the call from the Chargers?
Allen, a longtime Chargers standout, was traded away just over a year ago to the Chicago Bears as part of a cap-clearing move during the team’s transitional phase under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Yet, he remains a free agent, and his familiarity with Herbert and the offensive system makes him an ideal candidate to step back into a leadership role.
Last season, Allen recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 121 targets in 15 games with the Bears.
The Chargers’ front office, led by general manager Joe Hortiz, now faces a critical decision. With training camp underway and expectations high after making the playoffs in 2024, bringing back Allen makes so much sense and could even energize the fan base.
The news of Williams' sudden retirement had to have put more pressure on Hortiz to get Harris into the training camp as soon as possible. Bringing in another veteran receiver could help as well. Whether they make the call to Keenan Allen, and if he even answers the call, remains to be seen.