Caleb Williams Has No More Excuses With Latest Bears' Projected Free Agent Signing

It has been a complete embarrassment and a disaster of a season for the Chicago Bears. Despite significant offseason acquisitions and drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears took a massive step back and will win fewer games than last season. Williams wasn't the biggest problem with the team, but it's safe to say that he wasn't as good as many assumed he would be in his rookie season.

Williams' season was mired with inconsistency. One constant thing was his impressive streak of not throwing an interception for nine games. Throwing only six interceptions in 16 games is impressive for a rookie quarterback.

However, it's important to note that this comes with taking a lot of sacks. There were plenty of times throughout the season that Williams held onto the ball for too long and took a hit. It is not a coincidence that Williams is by far the most sacked QB in the league this season with 67.

Fans have talked about the need to upgrade the offensive line to protect Williams better. The Bears have the tenth-best pass-blocking grade and a middle-of-the-pack run-blocking grade per PFF this season, so it's hard to argue that it is the biggest need for the team. Bleacher Report, however, seems to think so. In their offseason projections, they have the Bears sign veteran offensive lineman Will Hernandez in free agency.

"Chicago needs help on the interior offensive line, especially when it comes to protecting Caleb Williams. Additionally, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton and Matt Pryor are impending free agents, so the position group should be one of the front office's priorities in the offseason."

- Bleacher Report

Hernandez is a former second-round pick of the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals where he has been one of the better guards in the league.

Hernandez played left guard for the first three seasons of his career before switching to right guard in the last four. He was in the midst of his best season as a pro per PFF before he suffered a season-ending knee injury after five games.

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