Report: Chargers 'prepared to franchise tag' Mike Williams if no long-term deal made

One of the Chargers' top weapons is set to hit the free-agent market this month, but according to one report, he's not going anywhere.

Los Angeles is "prepared" to use the franchise tag on receiver Mike Williams if the sides can't agree on a long-term extension, according to Tyler Dragon of USA Today. The franchise-tag number for receivers is projected to be just south of $20 million.

Williams had a monster start to last season before seeing his production taper off a bit, but he was still effective. He caught six touchdowns and racked up 471 yards over the first five games of the season, establishing himself as an elite target for quarterback Justin Herbert.

By the end of the season, Williams had accumulated 76 receptions, 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns through the air. His total catches and yards were a career high, and his touchdown mark was just one shy of his previous benchmark.

Williams was known for his performance in clutch situations as well last season. He scored six game-tying or go-ahead touchdowns in 2021, the most since 1989.

NFL free agency opens on March 16 at 4 p.m. ET.