Chicago Bears acquire defensive tackle Chris Williams and a 2025 seventh-round pick in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
The Chicago Bears have actively sought to strengthen their defensive line, marking their commitment with back-to-back acquisitions. Following their recent trade to secure defensive lineman Darrell Taylor from the Seahawks, the Bears executed another strategic move on Saturday. This time, they brought in Chris Williams, a defensive tackle, along with a 2025 seventh-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns. The Bears parted with a sixth-round pick they had previously obtained from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Chase Claypool to seal the deal.
Chicago Bears acquire defensive tackle Chris Williams in trade with Cleveland Browns
Chris Williams, who began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, has accumulated experience over two seasons, appearing in 13 games — all in a backup role. Throughout his tenure with the Colts, where he played under Matt Eberflus, then the defensive coordinator and now the head coach of the Bears, Williams made six tackles. After his stint with the Colts, he spent parts of the last season on the practice squads of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Browns.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 302 pounds, Williams has shown potential and versatility in his play. The Bears aim to leverage his skills and familiarity with Coach Eberflus’ defensive schemes to enhance their line defense, adding much-needed depth and resilience to the team's roster. As teams rush to finalize their 53-man rosters before the Tuesday deadline, the Bears' management was evidently keen to bolster both the pass rushing and interior defense.
The acquisition of Chris Williams not only adds a sturdy and versatile player to the roster but also underlines the Bears' strategic approach to building a robust defensive unit, with particular attention to players familiar with Eberflus' defensive philosophies. This strategic depth will be vital for the Bears as they prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring they have a balanced and resilient defensive line ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
