Bears Have an Ideal Low-Risk Free Agent Option Available…
Are you as exhausted as I am from the constant flood of major Bears news? Ever since last season ended, it’s been a never-ending cycle of breaking news, big stories, and endless First Take segments that start with the Bears and end with the Cowboys.
Yes, the Bears have certainly driven a lot of page views this offseason, and we owe them some gratitude for that. But sometimes, fans just crave a simple story about offensive line depth, something easy to digest.
Bleacher Report understands this need, which is why they compiled a list of available free agents who won’t make headlines. The Bears could sign everyone on this list, and you might not even notice until mid-August. It’s wonderfully mundane.
Among the listed free agents, two offensive linemen stand out, one of whom is a former Bear. While a return of Charles Leno to Chicago seems unlikely, another name, former Dolphins interior offensive lineman Connor Williams, is intriguing. As Bleacher Report notes:
“… it’s shocking to see a player of Connor Williams’ caliber remain unsigned. Williams did suffer a torn ACL in December. Drew Rosenhaus, Williams’ agent, told media that his client might not sign at the very beginning of free agency as he heals, but we’re now heading into the season and Williams isn’t on a roster.”
“Williams was a capable guard with the Dallas Cowboys before he signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 free agency. He moved to the pivot in South Beach and took his play to another level, earning an 86.5 grade from PFF and giving up just one sack last season. Williams would be an upgrade for a number of teams as a center and could even go back to guard in the right situation.”
A dependable backup at right guard who can also play center? Despite the injury concerns, having Williams compete with Ryan Bates and/or Nate Davis for two of the three uncertain spots on the Bears’ offensive line makes perfect sense. None of these players are bad, but they’re not so good that they can avoid competition. Ryan Poles loves a good camp competition and takes pride in the lines he assembles, so there’s no reason not to consider this move.
While Bleacher Report suggests Williams might be a better fit for the Broncos or a return to Miami, ultimately, they don’t make the decisions—they just create the slideshows. Both roles are important in their own ways.
So, let’s make it happen: Connor Williams to the Bears.
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