The last time new Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams was on the football field, he was powering the Kansas City Chiefs to a championship victory when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV. Now, the veteran running back joins the Bears on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Williams came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, signing with the Miami Dolphins. After four seasons, he signed with the Chiefs and became a key component in their championship run in 2019. “Playoff Damien” ran for 104 yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs Super Bowl win. He also added a receiving touchdown. It was the last game Williams played, however.
Last July, Williams opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns. He was released by the Chiefs last week.
The 28-year old joins a running back room led by David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. He’ll likely serve as the primary backup to both players and provides solid depth to the position as a dual-threat back.
As with any move concerning the Bears, fans and experts shared their thoughts on the team’s newest offensive weapon. But the vast majority seem to agree that general manager Ryan Pace nailed it with this acquisition.
Damien Williams gives the Bears two things: a change of pace from David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, and a back who can carry the load for a spell if Montgomery cannot. Quality pickup.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) March 24, 2021
Playoff Damien. Bears are Back https://t.co/LxDcTgzRGl
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 24, 2021
Our RB group is actually very solid now.
Monty, Cohen, Williams is a nice three headed monster.
— DaWindyCity Productions (new account) (@dwcburner) March 24, 2021
It’s about time. Take RB off the draft needs. Bears finally get a true backup RB. https://t.co/Ry3lDTZC4v
— Ryan Heckman (@RyanHeckmanFS) March 24, 2021
WE FINALLY HAVE AN OFFENSIVE DEPTH SIGNING.
I REPEAT, WE FINALLY HAVE AN OFFENSIVE DEPTH SIGNING pic.twitter.com/w4fZ7uGwr6 https://t.co/z0I5b9g0vX
— Austin F (@PodGuyFuges) March 24, 2021
Welp. This is not exactly ideal from a fantasy view, but this is a smart transaction from a real life standpoint.
Fully suspect #MandatoryMontgomery's passing presence to dwindle, sadly. Still believe he's locked into primary goal-line and early-down role. https://t.co/R6nRvp8snV
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) March 24, 2021
No brainer decision here.
Bears backfield is
Montgomery, Cohen, Williams, Pierce
Not household names, but is a top 5 set in the NFL https://t.co/cM21n9gQsg— Mike Brez (@mikebrez5) March 24, 2021
This is a great signing
Williams, Cohen, Montgomery has the potential to be a top-5 RB trip in the game https://t.co/Ikj5ntb8pF
— Bears Nation Podcast (@BearsNationPod) March 24, 2021
I very much like this https://t.co/rfCaw9PoGg
— Patrick Sheldon (@P_Shels) March 24, 2021
This makes a lot of sense for the #Bears. Did I just say the sentence? https://t.co/We5ICQz0K7
— Adam Sager (@AdamGSager) March 24, 2021
Thought this made a lot of sense when the Chiefs released him. https://t.co/0oMYVRNS6t
— Phil Kloc (@klocwise92) March 24, 2021
Versatile offensive weapon for Nagy. https://t.co/nxn1oCpFp9
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) March 24, 2021
Montgomery, Williams, and Cohen is a seriously good backfield. Build the offensive scheme around this position group! (Especially seeing as it's another year of QB mediocrity). #Bears https://t.co/DRnk2oBsy2
— Jim Hanson (@NavyOrangeJim) March 24, 2021
Love this signing https://t.co/I10v0wiZpW
— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) March 24, 2021
Montgomery, Williams and Cohen? Not many running back rooms better than that. Great pickup. https://t.co/CRgQuVOm97
— Kevin Wells 🎙 (@Wells15Kevin) March 24, 2021
Good player but so is Montgomery.
Dont see the point in getting more running backs when it’s the offensive line that needs help the most🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/LLcL62Qt8c
— D (@D_Brown_52) March 24, 2021
Ryan Nall watching the #Bears sign a capable backup RB. pic.twitter.com/VtER9t4uVI
— Ross Read (@RossRead) March 24, 2021
This is a solid addition for the #Bears. Williams is a capable RB2 and a good scheme fit https://t.co/mSKCpdrZNR
— Andrew Freeman (@AjFreeman25) March 24, 2021
