The Chicago Bears have traded for Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Chris Williams, the team announced Saturday. Chicago is sending a 2025 sixth-round selection to Cleveland, and they’re receiving a 2025 seventh-rounder in return.
The addition of Williams comes shortly after coach Matt Eberflus expressed concerns with the lack of depth at defensive tackle with Zacch Pickens injured, and his status for Week 1 is uncertain. Now, the Bears shored up the interior with Williams just one day after bolstering the edge by trading for Darrell Taylor.
Williams, a former undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, has played in just 13 career games between 2021-22, where he totaled six tackles. He spent the 2023 offseason with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Browns later in the year.
Williams played Eberflus during his stint as defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts, so Williams comes to Chicago with an understanding of the defensive scheme, and he’ll provide key depth while Pickens is sidelined.
Here’s how social media is reacting to the Bears’ trade for Williams:
The latest two moves from the Bears confirm what I’ve heard all summer: they think they’re really good.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) August 24, 2024
This is the third different Chris Williams the Bears have had this century.
Offensive lineman, wideout/returner and now defensive lineman.
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) August 24, 2024
Hard Knocks will be lit with the trades Poles is orchestrating.
— Jason Krump (@JasonKrump) August 24, 2024
I don’t know Chris Williams and not sure what kind of skill set he brings to the table.#Bears needed interior DL depth, so let’s ride I suppose!
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 24, 2024
Love what Ryan Poles is doing. Made it through training camp. Got a real feel for the teams strengths and weaknesses. Now is addressing them the weak parts. Love to see it. #DaBears #Bears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) August 24, 2024
The #Bears recent additions of Darrell Taylor and Chris Williams send a clear message that the depth at both positions during training camp clearly wasn’t good enough.
— Coach Usayd Koshul (@usaydkoshul) August 24, 2024
There aren’t many stats to come by for Chris Williams, as he has been a depth player for his two season in the league.
But he has had a pretty good preseason with 2 sacks and a forced fumble, including a safety against the Vikings.
Moving back a round for depth is not a bad…
— Jake Knows Ball 🐻⬇️ (@DaBears_26) August 24, 2024
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Social media reacts to Bears trading for DT Chris Williams
