The Chicago Bears have almost completely overhauled their offense for the next season, but they could be even more stable if they made one more move.
Along with new starting quarterback and overall first-round draft pick Caleb Williams, the team has signed wide receiver Rome Odunze (number nine overall), Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen via trade, and running back D’Andre Swift, among others. They’ve also named Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator to lead an overhauled coaching staff.
On the offensive line, Chicago filled a need at center (and general depth) by signing free agent Coleman Shelton and trading for Ryan Bates, who can play both guard and center.
However, if you believe that you can never have too much protection for your quarterback, especially a fresh new rookie quarterback projected to turn around the franchise’s fortunes, the Bears should consider one more center.
The Chicago Bears’ ideal low-risk, high-reward free agent signing?
Free agent Connor Williams, previously of the Miami Dolphins, appears to be the ideal low-risk, high-reward signing for a team willing to provide opportunities for Caleb to thrive. He had previously been listed as a potential free agent target for the Chicago Bears.
A ruptured ACL in Week 14 of last season terminated his season, but he had already done enough to secure the second spot among NFL centers, according to Pro Football Focus. By all indications, Williams is recuperating on time and might be ready for training camp in July.
The injuries and following surgery have reduced his popularity among teams. That is the only reason he is still on the free agent market.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the Williams timetable in a recent social media post.
“Former Cowboys and Dolphins free-agent center Connor Williams, who is coming off season-ending knee surgery, expects to be ready for the start of the season and is in discussions with multiple teams about where to play in 2024,” Schefter said on Twitter. “He plans to pick his new team before training camp begins.”
Bleacher Nation’s Patrick K. Flowers predicts Williams will sign a three-year contract worth $22.5 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed.
The Bears no longer have an abundance of available cap space, but a transaction like this may be made viable with some clever bookkeeping. Williams has demonstrated his capacity to be an impact player, and if he can return to his pre-injury form, he’ll be a steal at the expected price.
Since moving from guard to center in 2021, the six-year veteran, who has played for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Dolphins, has improved year after year at the crucial behind-the-QB position. He has truly become an outstanding asset.
However, there are many “ifs” when it comes to Williams, as well as whether the Bears would want him at all.
There’s the cap issue, of course. Then there’s the fact that the Bears organization appears to be quite proud of its offensive line acquisitions this offseason, Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates. In fact, Shelton appears to be the heavy favorite to capture the starting center position.
Bringing Williams on board, however, is an option worth considering. It makes sense for a variety of reasons, the most important of which being the addition of new assets to assist Caleb Williams in his endeavors.
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