Sporty.com | Chargers release wide receiver Williams, Raiders cut quarterback Garoppolo

The first day of the new league year in the NFL brought about several transactions on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Chargers released one of their longest-tenured players, the Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with the big-name quarterback they acquired last off-season and the Miami Dolphins cut their four-time Pro Bowl cornerback.

The Chargers released wide receiver Mike Williams to free up $20million in salary cap space.

Going into the final year of a 2022 contract extension that included $40million in guaranteed money, Williams missed nearly all of last season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in Week 3.

The seventh overall pick of the 2017 draft, Williams had spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers.

His best season came in 2021, when he had career highs of 76 receptions for 1,146 yards, along with nine touchdowns.

Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/myDlIWFs4O
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2024

The Raiders released Jimmy Garoppolo and receiver Hunter Renfrow in a pair of widely expected moves.

Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72.75million contract with Las Vegas last season, but was benched after making just six starts.

Last month, he received a two-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

The Raiders agreed to a deal earlier this week with Gardner Minshew, who will compete with Aidan O'Connell for the starting quarterback job.

Renfrow put together a huge season in 2021, catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards to earn a two-year contract extension worth $31.7million, but he's managed just 61 receptions for 585 yards and two TDs in the last two years combined.

Raiders officially release QB Jimmy Garoppolo. pic.twitter.com/FKWYvseECY
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2024

The Dolphins released Xavien Howard, who is tied for fourth in franchise history with 29 interceptions.

Howard, who had spent his entire eight-year NFL career with Miami, led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2020 and was named a first-team All-Pro.

The Indianapolis Colts, meanwhile, signed quarterback Joe Flacco, agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $8.7million with the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award winner.

Signed by Cleveland in November after being out of football, Flacco led the Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch to help the franchise reach the playoffs.

Colts signing QB Joe Flacco to one-year deal worth up to $8.7M with $4.5M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero + @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/pLwqEOs4z7
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2024

The Washington Commanders added Bobby Wagner, signing the six-time All-Pro linebacker to a one-year contract worth up to $8.5million.

Wagner, who turns 34 in June, lead the NFL with 183 tackles last season in his return to the Seattle Seahawks.

The nine-time Pro Bowler had spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Seahawks before playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

The Tennessee Titans added a pair of players, signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley, as well as quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Ridley signed a four-year, $92million contract after finishing with 76 receptions for 1,016 yards with eight touchdowns while starting 17 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.

Rudolph had spent the past four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, going 8-4-1 in 13 starts. He won the final three regular-season games last season to lead the Steelers to a play-off berth.