Mike Williams credits Chargers’ coaching staff for throwing new contract his way

Brandon Staley’s impression was apparent throughout his first season as an NFL head coach, from his fourth-down choices to his viral information convention clips and decidedly untraditional candor.

His affect additionally was profound with regards to Mike Williams and the contract extension the Chargers huge receiver signed this week.

Beneath Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Williams’ position expanded exponentially in 2021, resulting in a deal that ensures him $40 million and is value as much as $60 million over the following three seasons.

“I’m very grateful for that,” Williams stated Wednesday throughout a media convention. “I inform them that on a regular basis. I at all times inform them, ‘Thanks. I recognize you’ as a result of, I imply, with out them, I most likely wouldn’t be on this state of affairs.”

Williams completed final season with 76 receptions for 1,146 yards — each profession highs — and 9 touchdowns. He was focused 129 occasions, 39 greater than his earlier single-season greatest.

After being extra of a red-zone and deep-ball specialist in his first three seasons within the league, Williams was dispatched all around the area and in a wide range of routes by Lombardi.

His emergence included setting an NFL season report with 5 go-ahead touchdowns within the fourth quarter or extra time.

“When the massive mild’s on, I’m able to make performs,” Williams stated. “When everyone’s watching, when the group wants a play, I really feel like I’m able to making that play. I simply belief in my means.”

Williams, 27, is now certainly one of six NFL receivers with a contract value as a lot as $20 million per season. The group contains certainly one of his teammates, Keenan Allen, who signed a four-year deal value as much as $80.1 million in September 2020.

A pending free agent, Williams stated his motivation from the beginning of this offseason was to stay with the Chargers, citing, amongst different issues, the presence of quarterback Justin Herbert, who made his first Professional Bowl in his second season.

“That was an enormous a part of it, too, simply to be with a quarterback who’s a franchise quarterback and capable of do the issues he’s capable of do to get me the ball,” Williams stated. “That was large.”