3 Free Agents Bears Must Sign if They're Sticking With Justin Fields

1. Mike Williams, WR

In a move that should surprise no one, the Los Angeles Chargers released wide receiver Mike Williams on Wednesday. They needed to get under the salary cap and letting him go freed up $20 million in space.

A former standout for Clemson, Williams entered the NFL with some concerns after fracturing his neck in college. A touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson ended in misery as Williams hit the goal post and saw his 2015 season end in Week 1.

He proved to be healthy enough to roll the dice and L.A. took him seventh overall. Then, injuries started to come up again. A herniated disc cost him six games as a rookie. He rebounded and put together several strong campaigns, earning a three-year, $60 million extension in 2022.

But then, Williams had the same issue. His 2023 season ended due to an injury. This time, it was a torn ACL suffered in Week 3.

With all that being said, the Chargers had to move on from Williams. He's incredibly talented and has twice topped the 1,000-yard mark. He even averaged 20.4 yards per catch in 2019 — but he's approaching 30 and they needed to getyounger.

For Chicago, however, it could be worth the risk. They could land Williams in free agency for a fraction of what he made with the Chargers. At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, he would be a great No. 2 wideout across from D.J. Moore, who is 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds.

Again, the Bears will almost definitely take Caleb Williams. And even if they did, these three players could still be solid additions to help him along.

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