The Chicago Bears must trim their roster to 53 players by 4pm EST (3pm CST) Tuesday, but that doesn't mean cutdown day will only be about the players leaving town. General manager Ryan Poles will have an opportunity to add talent at positions of need. One team's trash can be another's treasure, and when it comes to wide receiver, the Bears could have a shot to upgrade.
One name that's already become available is former Miami Dolphins pass-catcher, Preston Williams.
Williams (6-4, 211 pounds) was a standout playmaker at Colorado State when he had 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2018 following a tumultuous college career at Tennessee and Georgia. He went undrafted in 2019 and signed as a priority free agent with the Dolphins.
Williams, 25, made the Dolphins roster as a rookie and was a productive first year player (32 catches, 428 yards, three touchdowns). He tore his ACL in Week 9, however, and was unable to get back on track. Miami made major investments at wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft (first-round pick Jaylen Waddle) and this past offseason with their trade for superstar Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins signed Cedric Wilson in free agency, too.
That left Williams the odd man out. But his appealing blend of size and downfield ability would instantly make him one of the more talented targets for Justin Fields should the Bears sign him. He'd certainly be an upgrade over Equanimeous St. Brown and, potentially, Byron Pringle.
Preston Williams is one of many wide receivers who will receive their walking papers today. The Chicago Bears will have a chance to get better at the position. Whether they decide to take it or not is ultimately Poles' call.