The Chicago Bears have an impressive supporting cast in place for quarterback Caleb Williams’ rookie season in 2024, but one of the top remaining free agents on the market — Connor Williams — could help them take it to the next level.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams is “in discussions with multiple teams” about potentially signing with them for the 2024 season. The 27-year-old center has high-quality starting experience for Dallas and Miami over the past few seasons, but he is also coming off a season-ending ACL tear in 2023 from which he is still recovering.
Although Schefter did not reveal which teams are in contact with Williams, CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo nevertheless scoured the field to determine which teams would be ideal for Williams to “land” during the 2018 season.
On June 19, DeArdo wrote, “It’s largely assumed that the Bears’ top goal for 2024 is getting No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams to the finish line healthy.” “Adding a player of Williams’ caliber would accomplish that and provide Chicago’s front some much-needed depth and versatility.”
Does Connor Williams Still Make Sense for Bears?
Williams was a popular name on free agent wishlists for the Bears heading into the start of 2024 free agency. Chicago had released veteran Cody Whitehair and did not seem interested in re-signing Lucas Patrick — he is now in New Orleans — creating a major hole in their offensive line as they prepared to draft a new franchise quarterback.
The Bears, however, did not sit on their hands and wait. Almost two weeks before the start of the new league year, the Bears traded a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for veteran center/guard Ryan Bates. Then, 10 days later, they signed former Los Angeles Rams starter Coleman Shelton to a one-year, $3 million deal.
The presumption is that Bates will get first crack at winning the starting center job for the Bears in 2024, but their exact plans for the position have not been made fully clear. If the Bears are confident in the personnel they currently have — which also includes 2022 sixth-rounder Doug Kramer Jr. — then talking to Williams likely isn’t worth it.
Nevertheless, Williams has been a superb blocker of the run over the last two seasons, and in 2022, his final healthy season with the Dolphins, he was rated as Pro Football Focus’ fourth-best overall center. He also recently turned 27, thus he has a lot of potential to start for the long run. For a club led by its top rookie, that might be useful.
The Bears would have to have faith in Williams’ ability to recover from a significant knee operation. The price would also need to be appropriate, as usual. But before camp starts, the Bears might want to speak with Williams if they can check those boxes.
Which Other Positions Could Bears Sign More Talent?
It would be unexpected if the Bears took a chance on another experienced center, especially one who would be expensive, but they haven’t shied away from shocks in recent months. The most shocking move was the one for Keenan Allen, but they also made a major investment in D’Andre Swift, a running back, traded quarterback Justin Fields for a conditional sixth-round pick, and selected Rome Odunze, a wide receiver, with the ninth overall pick.
With Odunze, it was more of a surprise that he remained available after the first eight choices, but it was still a surprise. (Thank you, Falcons of Atlanta!)
If the Bears are content with their center position, though, which other positions could potentially interest them as they assess the free agent options before training camp?
Pass rusher is the big one. The Bears added veteran Jake Martin and fifth-round rookie Austin Booker to their trenches next to DeMarcus Walker and Montez Sweat, yet the group is still not as strong as it may be. Chicago should think about bringing back Yannick Ngakoue, a seasoned player who is accustomed to the defense. If not, Emmaneul Ogbah, Carl Lawton, and Romeo Okwara are their other options.
Another seasoned cornerback could be added to the Bears’ roster in the future. Although they have three starters in Tyler Gordon, Trevor Smith, and Josh Blackwell, the two greatest rotational possibilities are Terell Smith, a second-year player, and Josh Blackwell, a fourth-year player. Low-cost choices could be provided by Steven Nelson or Eli Apple if they desire greater security.
