No current Chargers wide receiver spent more time with Mike Williams than Quentin Johnston.

Since coming into the NFL in 2023, Johnston spent his rookie year being mentored by the veteran and kept in touch with him on and off the field.

And with Williams retiring early this week, Johnston echoed the overall sentiment of the group following Day 3 of training camp.

"The past three years of me knowing him, me coming in and being mentored by him means a lot," Johnston said on Saturday. "Just knowing him as a person on and off the field, I'm happy for him, happy with his decision and I wish him the best."

Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman was familiar with the receiver from afar on the other hand.

He recalled following the receiver in the draft process and his ascension with the Bolts.

But even after only spending a couple of months with him this offseason, he made a very positive impact.

"Nothing is shocking to me. I was definitely disappointed though," Roman said. "I really enjoyed my time with Mike. I've watched him throughout the years, obviously coming out of the draft, and watched him flourish here over the years.

"Really happy for him in the next stage of his life, he's such a good guy," Roman added. "Wish I could've worked with him this year but didn't work out that way. Good luck to Mike."

And now, the Chargers wide receiver room has become more of a focal point on the roster as there is ample opportunity for all involved.

There's Ladd McConkey at the forefront, of course, who Roman said on Saturday continues to improve in all aspects following his record-breaking rookie year. Then there's Johnston, who showed strides in Year 2 and said Saturday he was at an all-time high with his confidence and comfort in the scheme.

But the departure of Williams is something the rest of the receiver room will now try to fill.

Johnston said that while he did have side conversations about the opportunity that is front of them, they are all well-aware and continuing to move forward.

"At this point, we're kind of treating it like a next man up," Johnston said. "Him leaving was kind of unexpected, but at the same time we kind of just have to fill in the blank and keep moving."

From an on-paper standpoint, the loss of Williams is one that will be felt on the outside as the big-bodied receiver was slated to give the offense some size at the 'X' position.

It doesn't change a whole lot for the group, however, as Roman is more so focused on overall improvement from the unit.

"I don't know that it changes things a lot," Roman said. "You lose a Mike Williams, that it is what it is, it's not easily replaceable. We like where everybody is going, we like the guys we have.

"We just have to work and keep getting better," Roman added. "I like the trajectory we're on."

Perhaps the biggest aspect of Williams' game that will be felt with his departure is his ability to create big plays in 50-50 balls.

Roman said Williams' ability in that was unique, but he has the faith in guys who have shown the ability to do the same this offseason.

"I think everybody has got to develop their entire game," Roman said. "Deep balls, 50-50 balls, Mike was one of the best I could remember really my whole career, 30 years. He's one of the best I've seen.

"I trust all those guys, Tre' [Harris], Ladd, Quentin, they've all made those catches this year in the offseason and whatnot," Roman added. "As a receiver, we're trying to develop every receiver's entire game, short, intermediate, deep, etc. It's something we work a lot on."

There's still most of training camp to figure out what the Chargers offense does to fill in for Williams, but Roman feels confident in the guys who can get some time at 'X'.

"Quentin for sure, Tre' for sure," Roman said. "Tre' can pretty much play any of those positions, he's pretty flexible in that regard. We still haven't dialed in on how much we're going to move him around and whatnot, we're moving him around a little bit right now and we'll see how that goes and monitor it.

"Definitely want him to get a base at something," Roman continued. "Right now is probably more the 'Z', but he's gotten some 'X' reps as well. Then Jalen Reagor can certainly play 'X' as well.

"Ladd, he told me could play any position too, so don't count him out," Roman added.