Chicago Bears Free Agent Profiles: DJ Williams

DJ Williams

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. The Saints beat the Bears 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Cap Hit: $1.3 Million

2013 Grade: Williams didn’t get to 25% of the Bears’ defensive snaps with the body of his work in 2013.  ProFootball Focus graded him at a -3.1 in his limited duty.

Pros: Williams could benefit from the new wrinkles that the Bears plan to put on their 2014 defense.  He’s a veteran who’s a know commodity vs some of the other options like Bostic and McClellin who are relatively unknown entities in the linebacker room.

Cons: Williams will be a 32-year old linebacker coming off another season-ending injury when the 2014 season starts.  The Bears need to get younger on defense.

Potential suitors: Someone looking for a veteran linebacker on the cheap.

Bottom Line: Unless the Bears plan to start Williams, he doesn’t fit into the mold of a reserve linebacker.  With youngsters like Bostic and McClellin challenging for playing time, his return seems to be a longshot.