Key Takeaways:
– Quarterback Caleb Williams may get some additional support for his first season with the Bears from free agent Connor Williams.
– Despite a significant injury in 2023, Connor Williams is in talks with numerous teams looking to secure his talents for 2024.
– Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton are among the new roster additions that the Bears may be banking on for their offensive line in 2024.
– Another focus the Bears may have is to add further talent to their pass rush and cornerback positions.
Connor Williams in Bears’ Sights
POTENTIAL BEARS ROOKIE BOOST: The Chicago Bears are setting up a highly promising support crew for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in 2024, and top free agent Connor Williams might be their ticket to a stellar season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 27-year-old center is reportedly engaging with several teams about signing for the upcoming season.
Williams has shown his consistent performance for Dallas and Miami in the previous seasons but is on the road to recovery from an ACL tear that ended his season prematurely in 2023. Schefter has not revealed which teams are in the race, but CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo has tipped the Bears as a leading contender.
Securing the Bears Offensive Line
In the absence of clear insight on which team Williams may opt for, the Bears have been busy beefing up their offensive line. Before the commencement of the new league year, the Bears traded a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for veteran center/guard Ryan Bates. Ten days later, they signed on the experience of Los Angeles Rams’ former starter Coleman Shelton with a one-year contract worth $3 million.
While Bates is believed to have the first chance of filling the position for the Bears in 2024, the team’s ultimate plan is still cryptic. If they trust their current lineup, including 2022 sixth-rounder Doug Kramer Jr., they might give negotiating with Williams a miss. However, Williams has been a stand-out run blocker in the past two seasons and finished as Pro Football Focus’ fourth highest graded overall center during his last healthy season with the Dolphins. This track record, along with his just turning 27, is indicative of his long-term potential which can be tremendously beneficial for a team with a rookie quarterback.
Seeking More Talent Positions
The focus on finding another veteran center might come as a surprise considering the Bears’ recent maneuvers. Still, they have proved unpredictable in recent times with startling decisions like trading for Keenan Allen, hefty spending on running back D’Andre Swift, trading quarterback Justin Fields and drafting wide receiver Rome Odunze at No. 9.
With Odunze, the shock was more about his availability after the first eight selections, however, unexpected all the same. Now, if the Bears are satisfied with their center position, they might turn their attention to other positions.
Pass rush is an area of potential focus. Although veterans Jake Martin and Austin Booker, alongside Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker, were added to their lineup, there still exists room for more depth. To this end, they might look into bringing back player Yannick Ngakoue or examining other options like Emmaneul Ogbah, Carl Lawton, and Romeo Okwara.
The Bears may also consider adding another veteran cornerback to their roster. Presently, Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon might be their starting options, but they may want to increase their backup options. To achieve that, Steven Nelson or Eli Apple could be viable candidates offering low-cost solutions.
As the planning and discussions continue, it’s clear the Bears are committed to setting up a robust team for the 2024 season. The anticipated signing of free-agent Connor Williams might be a part of this solid mission to enhance their overall performance.