Bears to sign free agent wide receiver Roy Williams

[Da Coach]

After trading tight end Greg Olsen and releasing tight end Brandon Manumaleuma, and losing free agent receivers Rashied Davis and Devin Aromashodu the Bears will give Dallas wide receiver Roy Williams a chance-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-07292011-bears-reach-deal-with-williams,0,5317779.story

The Bears already had agreed to a contract with free agent tight end Matt Spaeth of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

http://www.chicagobears.com/DailyBlogs.asp?DAILY_BLOG_POST_ID=359

One other key move- the Bears have decided not to re-sign punter Brad Maynard. It is being reported that the Bears have replaced him with free agent punter Adam Podlesh of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

http://www.chicagobears.com/DailyBlogs.asp?DAILY_BLOG_POST_ID=356

[thefish7]

Hmm, I dunno about Roy Williams... But he did put up awesome numbers under Martz in Detroit, so maybe that's something. I'm guessing given the history he was the guy Martz wanted.

Also reported that the Bears have signed another ex-Cowboy wideout, Sam Hurd... But I think he's going to be a special teamer, since he's evidently been a standout on kick coverage for a couple of years now.

[LittleBrave]

Hmm, I dunno about Roy Williams... But he did put up awesome numbers under Martz in Detroit, so maybe that's something.

I'm a bit skeptical about this move too. I don't see him as a go-to receiver, but as another option. I will miss Olsen, but it's not a huge loss.
Wish we could have gotten Sydney Rice, who would have been a #1 receiver, and a proven play-maker.

[sousaman2089]

Signing Sidney Rice would be dangerous, too. He only had one good season and it's when Brett Favre was QB. We all know Favre made WRs look great throughout his career.

[Da Coach]

Sidney Rice is off the market. He agreed to a 5 year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. He will be playing with former Minnesota teammate Tavaris Jackson.

http://www.onlinesportsbookpro.com/football/nfl-football/nfl-free-agency-seattle-seahawks-sign-wide-receiver-sidney-rice/

[thefish7]

Yeah Rice made me really nervous... Much less of a track record than even Roy Williams and some major injury history. Was glad to see the Bears take a pass on that one.

[patrick_o'brian]

I'm a bit skeptical about this move too. I don't see him as a go-to receiver, but as another option. I will miss Olsen, but it's not a huge loss.
Wish we could have gotten Sydney Rice, who would have been a #1 receiver, and a proven play-maker.

I just don't see Sydney Rice as a #1 receiver. He is a deep threat, but Da Bears already have that in Knox and Hester. We need a go to, safety valve, like Olsen was, that can also run routes and get open down field. Hopefully Roy will be the guy! He's beginning his 8th year. He's in his prime now hopefully he shines!

[Braves4Life]

I like the Williams pick. He had his best years and was an all-pro under Martz in the past.

[FlyingSpaghettiMonster]

Greg Olsen had 41 receptions for 404 yards with 5 TD and 1 lost fumble. Those are very pedestrian numbers for a #1 TE that is a poor blocker. Olsen was out of the top 25 TEs in the league in receiving yards. The 5 TDs was his only respectable statistic. He was going to demand more money that the Bears would pay him (and he's worth). Getting any value for Olsen is good. Maybe a change of scenery will be good for him, but I wouldn't expect a lot of success with CAR.

Williams is another "eh." move. Who know what he has left.

[sousaman2089]

Martz never EVER uses a TE as a play maker, his perfect TE is pretty much a 6th offensive lineman.

Remember The Greatest Show on Turf? Their two primary TE's caught, collectively, just over 300 yards. He used his his TE's to block so his wild and crazy offense had time to develop post-snap.

Olsen's days were numbered as soon as Martz showed up; he's not much of a blocker.

[patrick_o'brian]

Yes Olsen was not a blocker WHATSOEVER, but a safety valve he was because the Bears had noone that could get open at times. Roy excelled in this system, check the stats. He will be a good pick up, I think "eh" is a little extreme.

[FlyingSpaghettiMonster]

Yes Olsen was not a blocker WHATSOEVER, but a safety valve he was because the Bears had noone that could get open at times. Roy excelled in this system, check the stats. He will be a good pick up, I think "eh" is a little extreme.

Williams didn't do much in DAL, and I don't see him as a #1 WR. Hopefully he will do well, but I'm not excited about this signing. 37 receptions for 530 yards in 2010. He had ONE great year in his career in 06 with 1310 yards and 7 TDs. It was his only 1000+ yard season. His last 3 seasons have been disappointing. At least he is 6'3.

[Beninator]

Williams didn't do much in DAL, and I don't see him as a #1 WR. Hopefully he will do well, but I'm not excited about this signing. 37 receptions for 530 yards in 2010. He had ONE great year in his career in 06 with 1310 yards and 7 TDs. It was his only 1000+ yard season. His last 3 seasons have been disappointing. At least he is 6'3.

Not a Williams fan or a Bears fan for that matter, but in fairness, Dallas has a lot of good wide receivers on their team. I think this could be a good addition for the Bears. Baring injury, Williams could do well in the Bears system. If I were a Bears fan, I would be more concerned with the offensive line than this acquisition.

[FlyingSpaghettiMonster]

Not a Williams fan or a Bears fan for that matter, but in fairness, Dallas has a lot of good wide receivers on their team. I think this could be a good addition for the Bears. Baring injury, Williams could do well in the Bears system. If I were a Bears fan, I would be more concerned with the offensive line than this acquisition.

The O-line has been an issue for years. They brought in a new center and tackle (rookie). It's hard to tell if those additions will improve the line this year. I don't think losing Kreutz is all that bad.

[Beninator]

The O-line has been an issue for years. They brought in a new center and tackle (rookie). It's hard to tell if those additions will improve the line this year. I don't think losing Kreutz is all that bad.

IMO, someone will have to step up from a leadership role though. It can happen, but that was an intangible in favor of Kreutz.