AFC West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers WR Mike Williams is expected to take a big step heading into his third season.

 “I’m a lot more confident coming out here and playing,” Williams said, via Ricky Henne of the team website. “My role is going to expand with Tyrell leaving. I’m looking forward to that. I’m ready to make some plays this upcoming season.”

Williams caught 43 passes for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and could top those numbers with the departure of former Chargers No. 2 WR Tyrell Williams.

“We lost a big weapon in Tyrell, [so] a lot of people in the room have to step up,” Williams said. “I feel like me being the player that I am, I feel like I can do that. I feel like the role is going to change. I feel I’m going to get a lot more opportunities than I did last year. A lot more balls coming my way. I’m looking forward to it.”

Chiefs

• Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star writes that the Chiefs would be in position to pay DL Chris Jones around $42 million over the next three seasons if they’re to franchise him in back-to-back years.
• With this in mind, Mellinger this figure is likely the guidepost for an offer from the team that should end up around $45 – $48 million in guarantees over three years. 
• However, Mellinger mentions that Jones could easily make the case he’s worth more, given that he had more sacks than Frank Clark, who just got $63.5 million guaranteed over the next three years. Beyond that, Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack secured $87 million and $90 million in guarantees respectively.

Raiders

Regarding his expiring contract with the team, Raiders S Karl Joseph reiterated that he’d like to retire with the organization but must perform well “on the field.” 

“Obviously I want to be here, I’ve expressed that already with Coach Gruden and Mr. Mayock,” Joseph said, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports. “I want to be a Raider for life, but at the end of the day, I have to take care of my business on the field. I’m not focused on the contract. That stuff will take care of itself.”

Raiders DC Paul Guenther said Joseph to the team declining his fifth-year option and believes he will be “rewarded” if he plays well.  

“I think he’s responded to the situation great,” Guenther said. “He knows this will be a good year for him to go out and play good and make us give him a contract. That’s the way the NFL is. That’s the way it is for me. It’s the way it is for a lot of the other guys. If you don’t perform, you’re probably looking for somewhere else to go and if you do perform, you’re going to get rewarded.”