3 free agent tight ends Chicago Bears must sign before training camp

The Chicago Bears signed multiple players who competed for starting jobs just a week or so before training camp last season. We are not saying the team will do the same this year because the roster is much better, but the precedent has been set, and the possibility that the team signs someone in the next week or so is on the table.

If the Chicago Bears do end up signing a free agent, it could be a tight end. After Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan, they have serious questions. Who could the team sign as a third tight end?

3. Chicago Bears should sign Maxx Williams

Maxx Williams is an interesting player with a connection to the Chicago Bears. The Bears tight ends coach Jim Dray came from Arizona, and that is where Maxx Williams has spent the past couple of seasons. Dray coached Williams for two years.

So, there is a familiarity that could help get this done quickly. What could also get this deal done quickly is that Williams does not have a strong market. He is entering his ninth season in the NFL. At that time, his career high in receiving was 202 yards.

He has played 2,441 snaps in his career, and he has spent 1,510 of them as a blocker. Blocking 62% of the time is not the flashiest job, but it is what the Chicago Bears need from their third tight end. When you think of Kmet and Tonyan, you are not thinking of their blocking first.

Especially with Tonyan being a poor blocker, if the Bears do not sign a capable blocker, Kmet will be stuck being the best blocker on the roster. Adding Maxx Williams can keep Kmet as a pass catcher first. He has the connection and experience and will be willing to sign a reasonable deal. The Bears should be on this.