The NFL offseason is picking up steam as March nears its midway point. The NFL's legal tampering period opens on Monday before free agency officially begins on Wednesday, meaning it won't be much longer before a flurry of player-related moves are announced.
The Chicago Bears will be an interesting team to watch as they attempt to upgrade the roster in head coach Ben Johnson's first offseason behind the bench. Although general manager Ryan Poles still has to wait to sign outside talent, the Bears can still take care of their own expiring contracts — including a recent roster addition they just rewarded.
Bears Tender DT Chris Williams Before Free Agency
On Saturday morning, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Bears have extended a restricted free agent tender to defensive tackle Chris Williams. The maneuver will cost just over $3.2 million and gives Chicago the right to match any outside offers Williams will receive.
Restricted free agent updates:#Bears gave DT Chris Williams right of first refusal tender ($3.263M)#Jaguars gave OL Cole Van Lanen original (6th) round tender ($3.406M)#Patriots gave LB Christian Elliss ROFR tender ($3.263M)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2025
Williams, 26, is set to enter his sixth NFL season after beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. The former Wagner defender has since bounced around the league before landing in Chicago following an offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns last August.
Williams went on to play in all 17 regular-season games despite joining the Bears at the end of training camp. Playing a career-high 367 snaps, the Brooklyn, NY native went on to record personal bests in solo tackles (17) and sacks (3.0), so it isn't shocking that Chicago is rewarding him for his hard work.
Although his game could use some refining, Williams finished with a solid 61.1 pass rush grade on Pro Football Focus. Perhaps defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will look to use the six-foot-three, 302-pound defender more on the outside than the previous coaching regime did.
With veteran DLs Byron Cowart and DeMarcus Walker set to hit the open market, Williams could be on track for a bigger role this fall.
NFL teams can't make the playoffs without reliable depth, and the Bears certainly wouldn't mind if Williams can replicate and improve upon last season's results. Look for the two sides to work out a new contract sooner rather than later now that Chicago has secured the veteran DT's rights.