NFL Free Agency Rumors: Chicago Bears Get Former Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams

According to a report by Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times in the early hours of Friday, the Chicago Bears are expected to sign free agent wide receiver Roy Williams to a contract.

Williams, 29, is coming to Chicago to reunite with Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Martz worked with the streaky wide receiver in Detroit while holding the same position from 2006-2007.

Williams was drafted seventh overall by the Lions in 2004 and spent five seasons with the franchise.

The two shared success in 2006 when Williams exploded for a career best 82 receptions and 1,310 yards during a Pro Bowl campaign.

After a rocky start in 2008, the Lions traded Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for three draft picks: a first-, third- and sixth-rounder.

Williams signed a contract extension upon arriving in Dallas.

Since becoming a Cowboy, Williams has had his fair share of ups and downs. Despite having a big game here and there, Williams failed to catch more than 40 passes and 600 yards playing for America’s team.

During his two-plus years with Dallas, Williams caught 94 balls for 1,324 yards and 13 touchdowns. After failing to establish consistency on the field, Williams was officially cut by the team Thursday morning.

The obvious reason for bringing back Williams with his former offensive coordinator is that the two have chemistry and understand the pass-happy offensive scheme Martz runs.

A key component of a Martz offense is that receivers need to run effective and crisp routes. Quarterbacks in Martz’s scheme are told to throw to spots on the field—not necessarily directly at receivers—and it becomes the wideout’s job to get to where the ball is targeted.

It’s an odd system indeed, so having a player who has operated in it before is a big plus for Chicago.

For the Bears, Williams provides a large target at 6’3” tall for quarterback Jay Cutler.

When combined with the speedy Johnny Knox, the elusive Devin Hester and the strong Earl Bennett, Williams provides the stature necessary to catch the 50/50 balls quarterbacks often throw when pressure forces them too early.

At this time, there have been no reports of the terms of the potential contract. Free agents can officially sign with teams Friday afternoon.

Thoughts? Comments? Follow Brett Lyons on Twitter @BrettLyons670.