Chicago Bears Are Favorites to Land Mario Williams

CSNChicago insider John “Moon” Mullin is reporting that according to league sources, the Bears are the frontrunners to land the defensive prize of the 2012 free agent class, former #1 overall pick Mario Williams:

"The Bears will go into the hours leading to the start of free agency considered around the league to be the favorite in the competition to sign defensive end Mario Williams away from the Houston Texans, CSNChicago.com has learned from a number of NFL sources."

Check out a video clip of the Chicago Tribune Live crew, including Brad Biggs and David Haugh, debating the addition of Williams and my comments after the jump.

Don’t get me wrong, the thought of Williams playing opposite Julius Peppers is exciting as hell.  The front four would be absolutely incredible and NFC North quarterbacks would have nowhere to hide.  But with the major needs on the offensive side of the ball and the amount of money that the Bears have invested in their top defensive players, I think it’s a mistake to break the bank on Williams.

Despite the ages of their key players, the Bears still have a championship caliber defense.  The same can’t be said for the offense.  Besides Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, is there another spot on the offense that couldn’t stand for an upgrade?  Maybe a couple of spots on the offensive line like Gabe Carimi and Roberto Garza?  Possibly 3rd receiver Earl Bennett?

The Bears are wasting Jay Cutler’s prime by failing to give him the protection and weapons to succeed.  Cutty is only signed through next season, so it’s incumbent on the Bears brass to give him a reason to sign on the dotted line for another deal.  If they go through another offseason without getting him some talent, why would he want to come back?

I’m cool with signing Williams if the Bears can get creative and find a way to at least get a 2nd tier wide receiver.  What about you?  What do you think?  Should the Bears go after Williams?