The last time the Chicago Bears’ new running back, Damien Williams, was on the football field, he was leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a championship victory when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win the Super Bowl LIV. Now, the veteran running back joins the Bears on a one-year contract, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Williams joined the league as a non-hired free agent in 2014, signing with the Miami Dolphins. After four seasons, he signed with the Chiefs and became a key component in his championship in 2019. “Playoff Damien” ran for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory. He also added a reception touchdown. However, it was the last game that Williams played.
Last July, Williams withdrew from the 2020 NFL season due to concerns about the COVID-19. He was released by the Chiefs last week.
The 28-year-old joins a race hall led by David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. It will likely serve as the primary backup for both players and will provide a solid depth to the position as a double threat back.
As with any move towards 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.
Damien Williams gives the Bears two things: a change of pace from David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, and a rear that can carry the load for a period, if Montgomery does not. Quality collection.
– Dan Pompei (@danpompei) March 24, 2021
Playoff Damien. The bears are back https://t.co/LxDcTgzRGl
– Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) March 24, 2021
Our RB group is very solid now.
Monty, Cohen and Williams are a beautiful three-headed monster.
– DaWindyCity Productions (new account) (@dwcburner) March 24, 2021
It was about time. Remove RB from draft needs. Bears finally get a real backup RB. https://t.co/Ry3lDTZC4v
– Ryan Heckman (@RyanHeckmanFS) March 24, 2021
FINALLY WE HAVE AN OFFENSIVE DEPTH SIGNATURE.
I REPEAT, FINALLY WE HAVE AN OFFENSIVE DEPTH SIGNAL pic.twitter.com/w4fZ7uGwr6 https://t.co/z0I5b9g0vX
– Austin F (@PodGuyFuges) March 24, 2021
Welp. This is not exactly ideal from a fantasy standpoint, but it is a smart transaction from a real life standpoint.
Totally suspicious #MandatoryMontgomeryfleeting presence of diminishing, unfortunately. I still believe that he is stuck in the main goal line and in the starting role. https://t.co/R6nRvp8snV
– Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) March 24, 2021
No mindless decision here.
The bears’ backfield is
Montgomery, Cohen, Williams, Pierce
They are not familiar names, but he is one of the top 5 in the NFL https://t.co/cM21n9gQsg– Mike Brez (@ mikebrez5) March 24, 2021
This is a great signature
Williams, Cohen, Montgomery has the potential to be one of the top 5 RB trips in the game https://t.co/Ikj5ntb8pF
– Bear Nation Podcast (@BearsNationPod) March 24, 2021
I really like it 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
I thought that 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 are a seriously good backfield. Build the offensive scheme around this position group! (Especially since it is another year of mediocre QB). #Bears https://t.co/DRnk2oBsy2
– Jim Hanson (@NavyOrangeJim) March 24, 2021
I love this signature https://t.co/I10v0wiZpW
– 79th Podcast and Halas (@ 79thAndHalas) March 24, 2021
Montgomery, Williams and Cohen? There aren’t many running back rooms better than that. Great pickup. https://t.co/CRgQuVOm97
– Kevin Wells 🎙 (@ Wells15Kevin) March 24, 2021
Good player, but Montgomery too.
I see no reason to get more running backs when it’s the offensive line that needs the most help🤷🏽♂️ 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 to the #Bears. Williams is a capable RB2 and a good scheme fits https://t.co/mSKCpdrZNR
– Andrew Freeman (@ AjFreeman25) March 24, 2021