Bears Must Pounce on Perfect FA Signing Seeing Uptick in Interest

The Chicago Bears are in the final stretch of preparing for the 2024 season, which begins with the start of training camp at end of July. Chicago will spend the new few weeks before then evaluating its roster and considering potential cuts or additions as the team looks to beef up some of its summer position battles.

Starting center is one of the jobs currently undecided, with Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton presenting possible options. However, with neither player emerging in the race to this point, the Bears could ponder bringing in someone else.

Well, if that's the case, there's one perfect Chicago may target -- but the team must act fast.

Recently, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed the market for center Connor Williams is heating up. The veteran has remained available after a season-ending injury in 2023, but with a return in sight, "multiple teams" are discussing a deal with the former second-round pick.

Now, it'd be no surprise if the Bears were one of the squads talking to Williams ahead of training camp. But if they aren't, they should join the sweepstakes as the vet nears a return to the field.

Williams, who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, makes a ton of sense for Chicago. He boasts a wealth of starting experience (77 starts in 83 total appearances), while also bringing O-line flexibility with time played at both left guard and center.

Bates has never played full-time at guard over his five-year career, while Shelton only became a primary starter two seasons ago, so both aren't incredibly proven guys to rely on at one of the game's most important positions.

Adding Williams to the mix only presents upside. He's extra O-line depth at the very least, and a potential starter in the best-case scenario.

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