5 teams who could poach Jamaal Williams from the Detroit Lions in free agency

3. Chicago Bears

David Montgomery is a free agent. The Bears may let him go, and either make a run at someone like Saquon Barkley or add a secondary piece while anointing Khalil Herbert as the new lead back. Williams looks like a nice fit to pair with Herbert, filling a role similar to what he did in Detroit during the just-finished season.

Parker Hurley of Bear Goggles On outlined the idea of pairing Williams with Herbert

"Khalil Hebert is a big play waiting to happen. They do not want to get him injured pounding him between the tackles and is much better on stretch zone rushes anyways. So, Jamaal Williams can come in as the power back who grinds between the tackles. No one was better near the goal line, and converting those third and shorts. Beyond that, he is a great pass protector, which is where Herbert struggles."

Beyond his production on the ground, Williams had a top-10 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus this season (72.3, ninth out of 61 qualified running backs).

The Bears will have, assuming he’s not traded, a dynamic overall ground game with Justin Fields under center. If they trade Fields and take a quarterback first overall, having a good run game will be vital.

With the most cap space in the league by a healthy margin right now ($94.4 million, according to Over The Cap), the Bears won’t be outbid for someone they want in free agency. Williams could be high on their list if they’re looking to replace Montgomery.