EL SEGUNDO, Calif -- Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams is retiring from the NFL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Williams' agent, Tory Dandy, informed the Chargers' front office Wednesday night of the wide receiver's decision, sources said.
The retirement comes as a shock to the organization, a source told ESPN. Williams had been working off to the side during the Chargers' offseason activities as he worked through an undisclosed injury.
The team appeared to confirm Williams' retirement in a social media post, writing "whole lotta love" and including a photo from after the Chargers drafted him with the seventh overall pick in 2017.
The Chargers had placed him on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp, with general manager Joe Hortiz saying Wednesday that he expected Williams back at camp quickly.
Williams spent seven years with the Chargers before he was released ahead of the 2024 season. He spent last season with the Jets and Steelers, joining Pittsburgh at the trade deadline.
He ranks 10th on the Chargers' franchise receiving yards list with 4,806 yards. He is also 13th in receptions (309) and touchdowns (31).
Williams was a favorite target of quarterback Justin Herbert. In the four seasons they played together, Williams had 187 receptions for 2,797 yards in 44 games.
Without Williams, the Chargers will turn to wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Harris is holding out of training camp as one of several unsigned second-round rookies across the NFL.
