In another sign of change in the post-Michael McCaskey Bears, the team agreed with tackle James Williams on a four-year contract extension worth $14 million, including a $4 million signing bonus.
The deal is the earliest re-signing of a key veteran by the Bears since the start of free agency and gives the Bears substantial help with their salary cap in the next few seasons. Since the start of free agency, the Bears have rarely done contract extensions before year-end, preferring to wait and see what the market for their players will be. The wait has typically cost them players, money or both.
By doing the contract before a Monday NFL deadline, and using structuring worked out by negotiator Jim Miller, the Bears will be able to charge more than $2 million of Williams’ contract to their 1999 salary cap. That will result in their saving $500,000-600,000 per year through 2003, the final year of Williams’ contract.
The Bears still have about $2 million of salary cap to use before the last game of the season and are continuing talks with guard Todd Perry, receiver Curtis Conway and others.
With left tackle Blake Brockermeyer signed last off-season to a four-year, $17 million contract, the Bears have set in place the edges of their offensive line for years to come. Coach Dick Jauron had identified Williams as one of the team leaders and Williams had returned this season with a noticeably improved attitude and about 25 fewer pounds.
