The Chicago Bears entered the offseason in need of pass-rushing assistance, but they haven’t done anything to address it over the last several months.
There is still time for the Bears to make a move, though, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox feels they could make sense as a trade destination for Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Sam Williams.
Williams, a 2022 second-round pick out of Ole Miss, returned to Dallas this offseason on a one-year deal after exploring free agency. He told reporters in March that other offers existed but that the Cowboys’ interest made the decision straightforward.
In hindsight, that choice may look less ideal. Dallas has assembled a crowded group of edge defenders that includes returning talent Donovan Ezeiruaku, veteran addition Rashan Gary, and two high draft picks in Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. With a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, opportunities for rotational snaps appear limited for a player still working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in 2024.
Before the injury, Williams had shown real promise, recording 8.5 sacks across his first two professional seasons. At his best he combines length, explosiveness off the edge, and the ability to disrupt the backfield. Those traits remain intriguing to teams seeking pass-rush help, particularly clubs that lack established depth at the position.
The Bears fit that description. Chicago has invested in its defensive front in recent years but continues to search for consistent pressure generators who can complement the existing group.
Adding a still-young, high-upside edge defender on a short-term deal would give the coaching staff a low-risk, high-reward option to evaluate during training camp and the early portion of the season. A fresh scheme and a clearer path to playing time could allow Williams to rebuild his stock and, if he produces, position himself for a larger contract next offseason.
Whether Dallas is willing to move him remains an open question. The Cowboys may prefer to keep depth on hand as they sort through their own competition.
Yet if the logjam at edge becomes too pronounced and Williams’ role stays minimal, a trade that frees up a roster spot while netting some compensatory value would make sense for both sides.
For the Bears, the opportunity to acquire a player with demonstrated production and remaining upside represents the kind of calculated move that can improve a defense without surrendering significant long-term assets.
In an NFL landscape where pass rush often separates contenders from the rest of the pack, Williams’ potential availability and the Bears’ stated need for more disruption create a natural alignment.
Should the two sides explore a deal in the coming weeks, it would mark a second chance for a talented rusher to carve out a larger role and a chance for Chicago to add another piece to its defensive puzzle.
