Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Jaylin Noel

Monday, July 14, 5:12 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have placed wide receiver Mike Williams (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Los Angeles will start training camp later this week. The 30-year-old missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believed the veteran would be available for the start of activities in July. It's worth noting that Schefter reports a player can be transferred off the PUP at any time during the offseason, and it's mainly used as a roster management tool at this point in the year. It's at least mildly concerning that the nature of the injury is unknown, although Harbaugh doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. Williams disappointed last year in his first season back from an ACL tear with the Steelers, but he'll get a chance to redeem himself in his second stint with LA. Barring health, that is.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.