While not the most glaring hole on their roster, the Chicago Bears must soon consider their future at safety. If the Bears were to look to the free agent market for some extra depth, one name stands out as a potential option.
Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both slated to be free agents after the 2025 season. Furthermore, Byard is entering his age-32 season while Brisker played in just five games during the 2024 campaign due to a concussion. Both are still slated to enter the 2025 campaign as Chicago’s starting safeties. However, the Bears could use a bit of short and long-term help at the position.
At this stage of free agency, many of the big names have already signed. However, there are a number of veteran safeties that remain available. When it comes to potential Bears additions, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is advising fans to keep their eye on former New Orleans Saints standout Marcus Williams.
“One name to keep an eye on is Marcus Williams,” Biggs wrote. “He spent his first five seasons playing for Allen with the Saints. What I don’t know is how much Williams, who turns 29 in September, has left. The Ravens released him in March after he spent the last three seasons in Baltimore. Williams lost his starting job last season and didn’t play after Week 12.”
Biggs isn’t saying that the Bears are showing active interest in Williams or that any talks have taken place. However, if Chicago were to add a safety, it’s easy to see why they would target Williams.
How Marcus Williams affects Chicago Bears
The safety signing wouldn’t send off fireworks if you look at just his 2024 output. Williams fell out of favor with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 11 games and starting nine. In fact, his entire return with the Ravens was marred by injury, failing to appear in more than 11 games. However, Williams began his career with Dennis Allen on the Saints. If there’s one coach who knows how to get the most out of him, it’s Allen.
Over Williams’ five-year return in New Orleans, the safety racked up 320 tackles, 38 passes defended and 15 interceptions. He had at least two picks every year with the Saints with the 2018 season marking the only time he had less than seven pass break ups. Overall, Williams is remembered for his blunder against the Minnesota Vikings in the “Minneapolis Miracle.” However, he was a solid ballhawk during his time under Allen.
With the Bears, Williams wouldn’t be thrown into the fire. Instead, he would join Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens as backup options. If Brisker were to suffer another injury, Williams’ veteran presence would help Chicago pick up the pieces.
Still, Allen and company need to make sure Williams is fully healthy before joining the franchise. Furthermore, the safety’s final season in New Orleans was 2021. After his poor 2024 season with the Ravens, does he still have enough juice to contribute?
The Bears have been diligent, handpicking every addition made to their roster. If Chicago were to sign Williams, it’d be a clear indication that Allen is confident he can get the safety back up to speed.
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