After Chris Williams was sent packing by the Chicago Bears last week, it didn't take long for the dispatched offensive lineman to find a new home.
The St. Louis Rams on Monday signed the former first-round draft pick to an undisclosed contract, the team announced.
The Bears cut Williams, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, after he failed to become a consistent starter during his five seasons in Chicago. Williams flamed out at left tackle by 2009 before struggling to latch on at guard. The final straw for the 27-year-old came this summer, when J'Marcus Webb beat him out for the chance to play as Jay Cutler's bookend.
"Chris was released last week, and we talked to him," Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters Monday. "He made a visit in here. We're really excited about the opportunity, as he is. He's flexible from a standpoint, he's played all the positions. He was the No. 1 pick out of Vandy (Vanderbilt), and we just think that he can help us. Now, he's got a lot to learn and don't know how soon or where we'll plug him in, but we think that he has a future here with us."
That future begins in London, where the Rams prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday at Wembley Stadium. Williams could see time this season at tackle or guard on a Rams line that ranks 30th in the NFL with 21 sacks allowed.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
