Edwin

Williams

Williams will wrap up this year with seven starts, all at left guard. A former undrafted free agent from Maryland, Williams has held his own in both run and pass blocking. He may be the Bears’ center of the future.

He is not expected to be active for the Bears’ Week 2 visit to New Orleans. Chris Spencer replaced Louis at right guard yesterday, but it’s possible Edwin Williams will draw the start in his place against the Saints.

Williams’ $715,000 base salary remains the same, but he agreed to void a $250,000 reporting bonus. He’s still due a $100,000 workout bonus. A reserve interior lineman, Williams played just 168 snaps last season.

Williams was forced into action last season when injuries ravaged the Redskins’ offensive line, but he’s a long shot to make the final roster this year. Washington drafted three offensive linemen in April.

A fill-in starter each of the past three seasons, Williams agreed to a restructured contract in May, but was made expendable by the signing of Matt Slauson and emergence of rookie Kyle Long. Williams should make himself a part of the workout circuit.

Williams has been on the street since the Bears released him at final cuts. The exact nature of his suspension is unknown.

Williams was the 14th overall pick three Aprils ago -- a pick not usually expended on a guard. The move is a concession that Williams has been a disappointment (and he certainly has been). Frank Omiyale will stay at left tackle, Edwin Williams at right guard, and rookie J’Marcus Webb at right tackle. It is the Bears’ fourth combination on the offensive line this season.

Veteran Kevin Shaffer will serve as the swing tackle for their Week 5 matchup against the Panthers. The Bears’ offensive line has been in constant disarray with LT Chris Williams (hamstring) sidelined. Look for the Panthers to try to take advantage of the Bears’ inconsistency along the front five.

Bell, 24, didn’t get a carry last season after flukily averaging 5.5 YPC as an undrafted rookie out of UCLA in 2009. Garrett Wolfe is headed for free agency, so the Bears would be smart to upgrade the position behind Matt Forte. Chester Taylor is not a productive ball carrier. Williams was impressive in three 2010 spot starts and may be Olin Kreutz’s heir apparent.

An interesting story, Williams’ parents were acknowledged freebase cocaine users, and Edwin was born addicted. He wound up playing at Maryland and made two starts for the Skins last year. Unfortunately, the power-blocking prospect wasn’t a fit for Mike Shanahan’s new zone-based scheme.