Veteran center Connor Williams remains one of the more sought-after free agents still available this offseason, but according to Greg Gabriel, a seasoned NFL scout and current analyst for SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron, it seems unlikely that Williams will join the Chicago Bears.
Gabriel, who spent nine years as a scout for the Bears and has over three decades of experience in the NFL, often provides insights into the team’s decisions and roster moves. His opinion carries weight due to his deep connections within the league and his intimate knowledge of the Bears’ organizational strategies.
Currently, the Bears are embroiled in a competition for their starting center position between Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates. This uncertainty has led some to speculate whether the team might pursue Williams to solidify their offensive line. However, Gabriel’s recent assertion suggests otherwise.
“The Bears will not be signing Connor Williams,” Gabriel stated definitively in a post on July 10.
Williams, at 27 years old, suffered an ACL tear in December of the previous season. Despite this setback, reports indicate a remarkably swift recovery for the veteran center heading into the 2024 season.
“Former Cowboys and Dolphins free-agent center Connor Williams, who is recovering from season-ending knee surgery, anticipates being fully ready for the upcoming season and is in talks with multiple teams about his next destination,” reported NFL insider Adam Schefter on June 18. “He intends to make his decision before the start of training camp.”
Pro Football Focus has projected Williams to command a three-year contract worth $22.5 million, averaging $7.5 million per year. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has affirmed substantial interest from multiple teams, emphasizing Williams’ remarkable rehabilitation progress.
“Let me confirm that Connor has made an incredible recovery, truly remarkable,” Rosenhaus remarked in June. “He’s looking strong for the start of the season, and there’s considerable interest from several teams.”
Despite the optimism surrounding Williams’ health and market value, Gabriel outlined several reasons why the Bears are unlikely to pursue him.
Firstly, while Williams would unquestionably upgrade the Bears’ center position — having started 77 games out of 83 appearances in his six-year NFL career — the team has already invested in Shelton and acquired Bates, a former Buffalo Bills center/guard, through trade this offseason. Both Shelton and Bates will vie for the starting role during training camp.
Moreover, the financial implications play a significant role in the Bears’ decision-making process. Allocating upwards of $20 million for another center would be a substantial investment, especially with existing commitments and potential needs elsewhere on the roster, notably on the defensive line.
Additionally, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding Williams’ performance post-injury. Despite positive reports from his agent, concerns linger about his ability to perform at a high level against aggressive defensive linemen.
Looking ahead, the Bears are entering a critical phase with rookies set to report to training camp shortly. Any further roster adjustments, including potential signings, are expected to align with the team’s priorities and financial considerations as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, while Connor Williams remains a coveted asset in the free-agent market, the Bears, under the guidance of general manager Ryan Poles, appear poised to explore other options rather than pursue a high-priced center at this juncture. Gabriel’s insight into the team’s stance provides valuable context amidst ongoing offseason speculation and roster maneuvering in the NFL.
