Miami Dolphins free agents Connor Williams could miss the start of the season due to an ACL injury sustained against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Williams, on the other hand, may be a player that a team takes a risk on as a backup centre at a low cost. Even if Williams misses the first few weeks of the season, he can still add value to a team seeking for a centre. With teams potentially interested, Lorenzo Reyna of the Pro Football Network sees the Chicago Bears as a landing spot.
“The Bears have already restructured their offence, trading for Keenan Allen and releasing quarterback Justin Fields. Both indicate that Caleb Williams, the USC Heisman Trophy winner, will visit the Windy City.
“But Chicago needs a reliable blocker up front. The Bears have always struggled with poor centre play. Even the guard spots were decimated by injuries. Williams is one of the more flexible blocking options still available on the free agent market and could be appealing to Chicago.”
The Bears have had an excellent offseason, and it appears that this will only continue given the likelihood of them picking Caleb Williams. Adding a veteran to the mix would only enhance what they’ve accomplished in free agency. Williams can contribute to a young and talented Bears club following his season with the Dolphins before to injury.
Williams is not ready to make a decision.
During an appearance on “The Joe Rose Show” in February, Williams’ agent Drew Rosenhaus stated that they would take their time making the decision.
“I do think that we’re going to be very methodical and take our time relative to the contract,” Rosenhaus told reporters. “A lot of it could be based on how Connor is feeling physically. He may not be a player who signs right away in free agency. He may take more time depending on how he feels physically.
“Connor’s predicament is fraught with ambiguity, which will be determined by his emotions. And, honestly, we’ll just take it one day at a time once the offseason begins, but I’m not sure whether that will be handled as quickly as some of the other guys we represent.”
According to what he says, the former Miami Dolphins starter may not sign until closer to training camp. That might keep teams like the Chicago Bears out of the running, as their roster will likely be decided in the coming weeks.
How Williams Would Help the Bears:
The Chicago Bears could search for offensive line help in the draft and during the rest of free agency, but the most of the best names on the market have already signed. Williams would have been in the same category as many of the game’s elite players, with a PFF grade of 86.5.
When you consider that the quarterback the Bears choose will need to be safeguarded above all else, adding a guy of Williams’ calibre just makes sense. Even if Williams only serves as a backup when he is healthy, having him as insurance is the best option.
If he is willing to return, the Miami Dolphins may be in the same situation, so it would not be shocking if that happens. The Dolphins have minimal financial room, but adding a guy familiar with the system at a reasonable price could pique their interest.
The Bears would gain a veteran who showed last season that he can block in an elite offence.
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