The Chicago Bears don’t have plans to do anything drastic in free agency. They first have to get back under the salary cap, and even then, it will take some work to find spending money. In those situations, teams tend not to do anything overly aggressive. General manager Ryan Poles said at his latest press conference that he’d prefer to avoid kicking the can do the road. This was in reference to the idea of restructuring several contracts. However, sometimes outside circumstances intervene to change your plans.
It isn’t a secret that the Bears are hunting for options at left tackle. Poles confirmed that Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury isn’t career-threatening, but he may miss the 2026 season. That means they must find somebody reliable who can handle the job for this year. Initial assumptions had them trying to retain Braxton Jones. The coaches like him, and he should be healthy now after a long recovery on Injured Reserve. However, a situation out west might significantly alter their plans.
Apparently, the 49ers and left tackle Trent Williams are at a contract impasse.
The Chicago Bears going after Williams would be justifiable.
If he leaves San Francisco, he instantly becomes one of the best free agents available. People will talk about the fact he turns 38 years old in August. That is fine. It doesn’t change the other fact that he’s still one of the best left tackles in football. He was tied with Penei Sewell as the seventh-highest rated pass protector in the NFL, allowing 40 pressures on a staggering 668 snaps. Oh, and he also had a 92.0 run blocking grade. The man is destined for the Hall of Fame whenever he retires.
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Chicago has every reason imaginable to sign him. Think about what a pair he and Joe Thuney could be on the left side of that line. Caleb Williams might never get touched, let alone sacked. It would further open up Ben Johnson’s already dangerous run game. Not to mention, Trapilo would have an outstanding mentor to learn from. He wouldn’t have to rush back from rehab. The Bears could take their time getting that knee right and have their left tackle of the future waiting.
Money will be the challenge in landing Williams.
In his most recent contract, he was making $27.5 million per year. That is a significant investment for a cap-strapped team like the Bears. They would likely need to sign him to at least a two-year deal to soften the cap blow this season. If they do it, that would be the extent of their free agency work. There won’t be anything left but enough money to sign bargain free agents. If done, it would also certainly mean the NFL draft would be almost exclusively devoted to improving Dennis Allen’s defense.
It wouldn’t be a complete all-in move for the Chicago Bears, but it would reduce their financial flexibility going forward. It would be a decision made with the belief that Williams can elevate this team enough to compete for a championship. Remember, they have to find ways to block Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson. In the absence of a long-term option, signing Williams is the obvious play. Coach Johnson’s reputation should also be a significant lure for the superstar blocker, who is chasing a Super Bowl ring.
