The Chicago Bears made a number of intriguing moves throughout the NFL’s annual free agency period, bringing in veterans like running back Damien Williams to help shore up depth throughout the roster. One unexpected signing was Williams, especially since many believed that running back depth wasn’t necessarily a need for the Bears but William’s familiarity and experience within the offensive system that head coach Matt Nagy runs made him an intriguing pickup.
Despite opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19, Williams enters a running back room featuring David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. While his role will be a rotational player, Williams did spend two seasons (2018 and 2019) with the Kansas City Chiefs, playing in an offensive very similar to what Nagy hopes to run.
“Being that I’ve been in this offense, I could give out pointers here and there but these guys, they’re great, they know what they’re doing,” Williams said via the Bears official YouTube page. “So all I can do is give my vet, my little things here and there of what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen. I’m just trying to get in here like the rookie kid and fit in.”
When looking at Williams career, rarely has he ever been asked to be a workhorse running back. Rather, he’s continued to be a rotational player, amassing just 13 starts since 2014, while playing in 85 games. As a dual-threat running back, Williams has made a name for himself as a pass catcher over the years with 138 receptions for 1106 yards, and 10 touchdowns, averaging eight yards per reception.
Montgomery and Cohen are very experienced in the Bears offense, however, adding a player like Williams as a sounding board will be helpful for younger running backs like Ryan Nall, Artavis Pierce, and Khalil Herbert, all three of which could end up battling for roster spots heading into 2021.