Williams excited about trade to Bears, reunited again with Eberflus |
CHICAGO — A day after trading for defensive end Darrell Taylor, Chicago continued to boost its defensive line by trading for defensive lineman Chris Williams.
In that trade with the Cleveland Browns, they received Williams and a seventh-round pick and gave up a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. “I was excited. It’s a whirlwind of emotions (because) you build relationships where (you’re) at. But, you can’t turn down a great opportunity,” Williams said. “So, I was ecstatic, ready to go. I was like, ‘Let’s get it.’” One benefit for Williams is his relationship with some of the people currently on the Bears roster and staff, including his work with head coach Matt Eberflus when he was the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 and 2021. Having played under Eberflus before, it makes the transition easier because he is already familiar with the scheme he is coming into. “I was with him my first two years with the Colts. So, I was productive then when I was with him, too, and I felt growth every year with him. So, I know his (lets) me still attack and be fast and use my skill sets. Definitely is what I feel comfortable with this scheme,” Williams said. “(Eberflus said to) run into the ball, get after the ball, get the ball out. Honestly, ball, ball, ball, ball, and I carried it wherever I went too (because) I just know it’s always, (if) you (can) take the ball away, you could stay in this league for a long time.” Another familiar face for Williams is assistant offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling. Houghtaling was Williams’ head coach back at Wagner College. During his four-year career under Houghtaling, Williams tallied 21.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), including six sacks. He recorded three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his senior year. Another factor that excites Williams about coming to Chicago is having that familiarity with and success under Houghtaling. “I just was excited (because) I knew who was here, and it’s a great people here and just a great scheme. A couple of these coaches I’ve had where, when I was with the Colts. My head coach from college is the assistant o-line coach here too,” Williams said. “So, it’s nice reuniting with him, and I know a couple of guys on the team … Some people find it hard to go to new places and with new people, but I feel like that’s one of my strengths to get around new people and talk and learn. So, I just was ready for the opportunity.” Unfortunately, Williams' collegiate success has not translated to the NFL thus far. Since his NFL career began in 2020, he has spent considerable time on the practice squad. In fact, he spent all of his rookie year on the practice squad. In Eberflus’ last season with the Colts in 2021, Williams got some on-the-field action. He played in eight games with minimal action on defense but also some snaps on special teams. He recorded his first solo tackles in 2021 and would have one more solo tackle in 2022. In 2023, Williams was with the Cleveland Browns but did not play a single regular-season snap for them. Despite all of the adversity Williams has faced, he has continued to fight hard and go after the ball, just as Eberflus taught him as a rookie.
