Seattle Seahawks Do a Favor for Wide Receiver Mike Williams by Releasing Him

There has been ample speculation on the future of Mike Williams in Seattle. After establishing a comeback player of the year-worthy 2010 season, Williams' production dropped to immaterial status in 2011.

The Seattle Seahawks, with an ample stable of young receiver options, chose to release him and his three million dollar base salary for 2012.

In a prepared statement, Seattle's general manager John Schneider said, ”We would like to thank Mike for his contributions over the past two seasons and we wish him well in the future.” 

Williams' conditioning issues took him out of the league in 2007. However, his former college coach gave him another chance in the NFL, as Seattle needed receiver options and Pete Carroll wanted big options to fill the gaps.

Williams had a career-year in 2010. His 751 yards were more than double his previous high. He had 350 yards as a rookie with the Detroit Lions, who drafted him with the 10th pick in the 2005 draft.

Williams' high-point came with his three touchdowns in the 2010 playoffs. He had one in Seattle's surprise upset of the New Orleans Saints and added two more against the Chicago Bears.

"

Wooww...The #Seahawks have released WR Mike Williams.” Wow... Tough break for a guy who looked like he had turned it around.

— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) July 13, 2012"

At least some of Williams' teammates were surprised by the news, as reflected by a Twitter response from Earl Thomas.

The departure of Williams was something many saw coming. He wasn't expected to hold off several of Seattle's young potential stars.

Deon Butler is showing he's healthy and ready to play again, and Kris Durham has impressed the Seahawks coaching staff. Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate are worth more to the team than just sharing time in the slot.

There simply wasn't room for Williams on the roster.

While many will see this as a blow for Williams, the Seahawks have actually acted in the best interests of their receiver.

There wasn't much of a chance Williams was going to make the final 53-man roster. It would have been more difficult for him to join another team after training camp and make an impact on the team.

However, there are several teams that are in need of help at wide receiver. A team like the Minnesota Vikings may give Williams a chance. With a full training camp, Williams has a very good chance to make their team.

The best chance Williams has at making the 53-man roster in 2012 was for Seattle to release him and let him look for a spot elsewhere.

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