Earlier today SM reported that the Chicago Bears were exploring the possibility of signing former Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher. Now it’s becoming clear they are fully involved in the offensive tackle market. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the team inquired to the agents of Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, fresh off another successful season in San Francisco.
This is an eye-opening development. One that could alter the entire outlook on offense. Obviously, it doesn’t automatically mean the Bears are going to sign him. He will be expensive. Likely top five money even though he’s 33-years old. This could be a move by GM Ryan Pace to gauge what sort of deal the veteran is seeking. If it’s not too crazy, perhaps Chicago might find a creative way to bring him on board.
“Multiple NFL sources tell the Tribune that the Bears have at least inquired about what it will take to sign left tackle Trent Williams, who some believed was the No. 1 free agent entering the negotiating window, which opened at 11 a.m.
The Bears would need to do heavy lifting in order to create space to sign Williams, who turns 33 in July. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection was an elite performer for the San Francisco 49ers last season after sitting out the 2019 season with injuries and in a dispute with the Washington Football Team.”
So what happens if by some chance they pull this off?
The first thing to determine is what will happen to Charles Leno? He’s been their left tackle for several years now but remains average for the most part. Williams would be a massive upgrade over him. Do the Bears maybe move Leno over to fill the void at right tackle? Remember Bobby Massie was cut and Germain Ifedi is a free agent. Or do they cut Leno, secure an extra $6.2 million, and seek a right tackle elsewhere?
Plenty of possibilities. It’s hard not to wonder if such a move might have an ulterior motive for Chicago. Perhaps a way to make them look like a much more attractive destination for a certain quarterback. Be it Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson. One can imagine both wouldn’t mind having a stud like Williams guarding their blindside and Allen Robinson to throw to. That is speculation of course.
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Since Chiefs ppl are sharing Trent Williams videos… here’s his best block of 2020. It might be the best block of the season. pic.twitter.com/FSH2ypTQ3H
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 15, 2021
Look for number 71 because well people who wear 71 are next level. TAKE EM TO CHURCH Trent Williams. pic.twitter.com/MtxVbUWzaV
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) March 15, 2021
Chicago Bears have made their big move but it’s coming
Or at least it feels like they’re trying to maneuver for one. Somebody on Twitter put it best. There is no way the Bears would sign a guy like Williams to protect Nick Foles or Andy Dalton. This would be one part of an all-in move to win in 2021. Chicago is confident they have a strong interior offensive line with Cody Whitehair at left guard, Sam Mustipher at center, and James Daniels shifting to right guard. Adding Williams could solidify a pretty strong front for them.
That would leave only one objective left. Finding that quarterback. If they somehow scored Watson or Wilson, it would make them instant Super Bowl contenders. It is at least nice to see the Chicago Bears are thinking big. They aren’t letting a tight budget stop them from trying to get better. Finding the money will be difficult. Most likely it would require one or two sacrifices or another string of contract restructures.
This presuming Williams has any interest in Chicago.
It’s too early to tell on that. Either way, this is another fun piece of offseason to chew on for fans as they wait to see what Pace and his front office try to hatch. The anticipation is killing a lot of people. They best make something happen soon or they risk people going insane. Williams has stated he wouldn’t mind returning to San Francisco, but it’s apparent he is chasing a strong payday. Can the Bears find a way?
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