Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is predicting 70 or 80 receptions for Roy Williams. "He's an elite player," said Martz. We're not sure what Martz is going to do with four legit No. 1 receivers, which is what he claims to have in Chicago. His incessant hype makes Jon Gruden sound like Debbie Downer. The takeaway here is that Williams is slotted for a major offensive role, which will likely cut into the production of Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, and Devin Hester. We still have Knox ranked the highest of the four.

Bears agreed to terms with Roy Williams on a two-year deal.

The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Bears are "expected" to sign free agent WR Roy Williams. The report cites a league source. Williams enjoyed the best season of his career under Bears OC Mike Martz in 2006, making his lone Pro Bowl while setting career highs in receptions (82), yards (1,310), and yards-per-reception average (16.0). Williams, 29, isn't the same player he was five years ago, but Martz's scheme -- theoretically -- gets receivers open on its own. At 6'3/215, Williams also can add needed size to the wideout corps, which will be relied upon more heavily with Greg Olsen gone.

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears have "started their pursuit" of free agent WR Roy Williams. With Greg Olsen heading to Carolina, the Bears are in the market for a big receiver to run more three-wide sets. We expect this signing to be fast-tracked considering Williams' history with Mike Martz and WRs coach Darryl Drake.

The Chicago Tribune suggests the Bears could be interested in Roy Williams once he release by the Cowboys on Thursday. It's no secret that Williams' 2006 career-year came with Mike Martz calling the plays. The Tribune also points out that Williams is "extremely close" with Bears WRs coach Darryl Drake, who coached him at Texas.

The Cowboys will release Roy Williams, sources tell ESPN Dallas.

ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins "wonders" if Roy Williams will be a casualty under the "soft cap" that is expected to be included in the new CBA. The flexible cap may only last for one league year. It would benefit most veteran players and free-spending owners while hurting small market teams like the Bengals and Bills. Williams' $12 million hit against the hard cap was believed to be the only thing keeping him on the roster. The Cowboys could take that hit as little more than a glancing blow under a roomier soft cap.

According to ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins, the Cowboys will not release Roy Williams due to salary cap concerns. To the contrary, the Cowboys would take a $12.9 million cap hit this year by cutting ties with Williams. That cap hit is Williams' only hope of keeping a roster spot with a $5.1 million base salary. At this point, it looks like the Cowboys No. 3 receiver will have plenty of money to continue his ill-advised practice of mailing out engagement rings.

According to the National Football Post, "it's looking more and more" like the Cowboys will release Roy Williams. In addition to his oversized contract, the Post's Dan Pompei believes Dallas is leaning toward cutting Williams loose because of a desire to "clear the way for Dez Bryant to play more." Williams hardly seemed to be blocking Bryant in 2010, but his departure would undoubtedly provide Bryant with more opportunities. For what it's worth, ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon recently reported that he believed Williams will likely be back this season.

ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon thinks the length of the lockout has all but eliminated the chance that the Cowboys will release WR Roy Williams. MacMahon reasons Dallas will want to keep Williams aboard since Dez Bryant has had what essentially amounts to a lost offseason. That could be true, but if 2011 ends up uncapped like 2010, the Cowboys will think long and hard about releasing Williams.