Chicago Bears expected to re-sign veteran linebacker D.J. Williams

After the 2013 season, the Chicago Bears had more players due to become free agents than most other teams in the league, and have been working quickly to get key players re-signed before the official start of Free Agency this Tuesday.

One name to add to the list of new contracts looks to be veteran linebacker D.J. Williams. As Dan Wierder of the Tribune reports, the contract is close to being finalized.

Williams was brought in last year on a one-year deal, and played well until being lost for the season in Week 6 with a torn pectoral muscle. He will be expected to start once again at middle linebacker, with 2nd-year Jonathan Bostic providing competition.

As general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman announced during the Combine, Shea McClellin is also being moved to linebacker, and will take snaps during camp at both middle and strong-side linebacker positions.

Also in the linebacker competition will be 2nd-year Khaseem Greene, which would now leave four players competing for two positions.

No contract details are available yet, as the news is not official, but we will update this article as soon as we know more.

CURRENT BEARS PLAYERS OFFICIALLY RE-SIGNED

- QB Jay Cutler (7-year contract)
- QB Jordan Palmer (1-year)
- C Roberto Garza (1-year)
- C/G Taylor Boggs (1-year)
- G Matt Slauson (4-years)
- TE Dante Rosario (1-year)
- DT Nate Collins (1-year)
- DT Jeremiah Ratliff (2-years)
- CB Tim Jennings (4 years)
- CB Kelvin Hayden (1-year)
- CB Derrick Martin (1-year)

Stay tuned...