Over the past three seasons, there has not been a better slot cornerback than K’Waun Williams in coverage. He has been a shutdown and underrated piece of the San Francisco 49ers defense. As Williams enters free agency there have been rumors that he will be one of a few players that follows Robert Saleh to the New York Jets. However, while there are hurdles to jump before he gets there, could the Chicago Bears sweep in with a better offer?
Projecting K’Waun Williams contract in NFL Free Agency
Sometimes when we look into what the player is projected to get we see big gaps. However, with Williams, there is a consensus that he will be getting around $4 million. His average play is valued at that, and while he is one of the better slot options, there are a lot of slot cornerbacks available in free agency. Mike Hilton, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Brian Poole represent just a few.
Chicago Bears should sign K’Waun Williams in free agency
According to PFF, Williams has averaged less than 1 yard per snap allowed in each of the past three seasons. To put that into perspective, Buster Skrine allowed 1.65 last year and 1.21 the year before. At his best, Skrine is not as stick as Williams.
The Bears need to invest in getting their secondary back to being their strength. Teams were able to attack Skrine too easily and it showed that a weak link can really turn the defense sour. The Bears cannot be cheap in upgrading from Skrine and should go for the corner with the longest proven track record in coverage.
Chicago Bears should pass on signing K’Waun Williams in free agency
Williams suited up in just eight games last season and ended his season on the IR. He has generally been healthy, but this season will be 30 by the time we kick-off. 30 is not a death sentence, but it is starting to get older in the NFL. When you add in the injury, there is some concern that San Fran got the best of him, and now someone will overpay for what he did do, not what he will do.
Beyond that is the notion that he will skew to the Jets. It would take overpaying to pry him away from the Jets. With other options like Hilton, or Poole, they may be able to get a better bang for their buck with a younger, and healthier option in free agency.