Mike Williams, the former teammate of Keenan Allen, piqued the curiosity of the Bears.
On March 14, the Chicago Bears made headlines when they acquired six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick. Prior to Allen being available, the Bears reportedly shown interest in WR Mike Williams, Allen’s former teammate.
Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune stated that Allen’s unexpected availability “was a surprise that popped up on the radar” for the Bears during an appearance on 670 The Score’s Bernstein & Holmes on March 26. He then revealed the following nugget:
“The Bears were genuinely considering Mike Williams in Los Angeles and were ultimately attempting to obtain additional details regarding his recuperation from the injury sustained late in the previous season. Then, out of nowhere, something unexpected happens—Kenan Allen becomes available.
Bears Probably Resisted Signing Mike Williams Because of His Recent ACL Injury
Williams was released by the Chargers on March 13 due to salary cap restrictions. One of the team’s larger contracts, spanning three years and $60 million, was a major factor in his release.
Williams, who is 29 years old, is slightly older than Allen, who is 6’2″ and 211 pounds, at 218 pounds. Allen will turn 32 in April.
Regarding Williams’ recuperation, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was reportedly worried after the seasoned wide receiver tore his ACL in Week 3 of the previous campaign against the Minnesota Vikings. Although Williams doubts it, he hopes to return by Week 1 of the 2024 season.
The Chargers had mentioned trading for Allen not long after Williams was cut loose. Evidently, that caught Poles’ attention.
“The Chargers had to make some tough decisions, and the Bears were looking for other options to strengthen their receiving corps. In a matter of hours, Ryan had to change course and decide that trading for Allen was the best course of action, and we could complete the transaction,” Wiederer continued.
Since then, Williams has signed a contract with the New York Jets. In his seven years in the league, he had two seasons with 1,000 yards or more. In 2021, he had his greatest season with 76 receptions for 1,146 yards (15.1 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns.
Will WR Keenan Allen sign a contract extension with the Bears?
The Bears decided to take on Allen’s $23.1 million salary charge when they decided to switch to him. Chicago must also make a significant decision soon on Allen’s contract extension.
From the stat sheet, it is not evident that Allen is getting older. The seasoned wide receiver, who caught a career-high 108 catches for 1,243 yards (11.5 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns in 13 games, is coming off one of his greatest seasons to date.
Given that the Chiefs and Chargers are both in the AFC West, Poles has had some time to observe Allen’s abilities after he worked for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2022 in scouting and management capacities.
Wiederer stated that “Keenan Allen tortured the Chiefs” when Poles was in Kansas City.
“(Allen’s) film from the previous year showed a player who, despite getting older and continuing in his career, hasn’t lost much, if anything.”
If all goes according to plan in the beginning, Allen may stay with Poles for a few more seasons, if not the rest of his career.
