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Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Chicago Bears have signed running back Damien Williams to a one-year contract. He didn’t play in 2020 after opting out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he also took the year off because his mother was diagnosed with stage IV cancer.
The 28-year old Williams was originally an undrafted free agent of the Miami Dolphins in 2014, and he played there through the 2017 season. His first two years in Miami was spent with current Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor as the ‘Fins’ O.C.
He played with with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018 and 2019, but was released earlier this month.
During his six years as a pro he has appeared in 85 regular season games with 13 starts, while rushing for 1,231 yards and 12 touchdowns, He has added 138 catches for 1,106 yards, with 10 touchdowns receiving the ball as well.
He received the nickname “Playoff Damien” while in K.C. due to his 540 yards from scrimmage and 10 TDs in just 5 postseason games for the Chiefs.
Williams will provide the Bears a veteran running back to backup David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, and he has plenty of special teams experience as well.