We might not yet know who is going to be playing quarterback for the Chicago Bears next season, but that doesn't mean that the team can't still look to improve the skill positions around the QB spot.
Bleacher Report recently suggested a trade between the Bears and the San Diego Chargers involving wide receiver Mike Williams as a way for the Chargers to clear some salary cap space, but the deal could actually prove to be beneficial for the Bears, too. In the purposed trade, the Bears would trade a 2024 fourth-round pick (111th overall) to L.A. for Williams.
From Bleacher Report:
"The Chargers can use the pick acquired in exchange for Williams to draft a running back or offensive lineman in the middle rounds of the draft.
"As wideout Darnell Mooney prepares to test free agency, the Chicago Bears need a No. 2 wideout to complement DJ Moore. Williams, if healthy, can attack defenses over the top and serve as the primary red-zone target for whoever starts at quarterback in Chicago next season."
Why the deal could make sense for Chicago
The Bears could potentially use another receiver, as they could lose Darnell Mooney in free agency, and Williams would fit the bill. At 6'4', Williams would provide the Bears with a sizable red zone target to complement D.J. Moore, and he has a proven track record of production.
Williams has amassed over 4,800 receiving yards over the course of his career, and he has been on the receiving end of 31 touchdown tosses. Having a lot of talent -- and size -- at the receiver spots will only work to help whoever plays quarterback for Chicago, especially since that QB is very likely to be either Justin Fields or a rookie.
The Bears have a ton of cap space to operate with this offseason, so they could easily absorb Williams' contract for the 2024 season, which has a base salary of $17 million. Plus, adding Williams to the mix wouldn't require a long-term commitment on the part of L.A.'s front office, as he's slated for unrestricted free agency next offseason.
Loading up on talent on offense in order to make things easier for the quarterback makes sense for Chicago, and while that doesn't necessarily mean that the Bears will actually execute a trade for Williams, there's at least an argument to be made that doing so could be beneficial.