Bears Sign Roy Williams; Crabtree Injures Foot

Added on Jul 29, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

On the heels of Chad Ochocinco’s trade to New England, wide receivers keep making headlines as NFL free agency continues to heat up. Former Lions and Cowboys bust, Roy Williams, has signed a deal with the Bears (terms undisclosed) which will reunite him with offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Meanwhile, the Niners will be without Michael Crabtree for up to six weeks due to a lingering foot injury.

Williams, a first-round pick of the Lions in 2004, scored 29 touchdowns in five seasons with Detroit before being shipped to Dallas in October 2008 for first, third and sixth-round picks in the 2009 Draft. He proceeded to start 29 games in Big D and found the endzone only 13 times. Needless to say, he provided little to no impact and will be remembered for being the catalyst to one of the worst trades in NFL history.

He joins a Bears receiving corps filled with underachievers and no-names. Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett combined to catch 91 balls in 2010. To put that in perspective, tight end Jason Witten notched 94 catches. Williams has the size and athleticism to be a force, but suspect hands and a shoddy work ethic have followed him since entering the league.

Crabtree will miss his third straight preseason after re-injuring his surgically repaired left foot. He’s been placed on the PUP list and unless he passes a physical prior to the regular season opener, will not be allowed to play until week 7.

The talented but petulant receiver has had a spotty start to his career. He held out for 71 days before inking his rookie contract, sat out last preseason with a neck injury and has openly criticized quarterback Alex Smith. In two seasons, he’s posted 103 catches for 1366 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Niners are in the market for a veteran wide receiver. Ex-Charger Malcolm Floyd is rumored to be in talks with the team. Other possible candidates include Braylon Edwards, Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress and Steve Breaston.

Source: NFL.com