Bengals Worked Out Speedy Return Man Chris Williams

After a few early moves this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals had initially appeared to have taken their free agency ball and gone home. But, as they often do, the team has begun scouring the second and third-tiers for players to bring in as Training Camp competition and fillers for the back ends of certain position groups.

This week alone, the team has inked quarterback Josh Johnson, and hosted visits for tight end Rob Housler and wide receiver Denarius Moore. They also recently re-signed wide receiver/kick returner Brandon Tate to a deal. A report from Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun and The National Football Post has the Bengals continuing a busy offseason with a recent workout of another speedy receiver/returner.

Source: Former CFL standout, Saints, Bears KR Chris Williams has worked out for Colts, Buccaneers, Bengals http://t.co/hM2aWaOI1v

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) April 3, 2015

Chris Williams has bounced around a few clubs and the Canadian Football League, making a name for himself as a speedy threat with a knack for making big special teams plays. He played for the Chicago Bears last season, but was injured late in the year. Williams did have a 101-yard kickoff return touchdown last year, adding to his lengthy special teams resume. As Wilson noted, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay are also intrigued by his potential contribution. He hasn't had any such contributions as an NFL wide receiver, but did so in the CFL.

The timing of this news is curious, given the Tate signing. It's not clear when the Bengals worked out Williams, so if it was earlier in the week, it's possible that they wanted to see what else was out their before re-signing the incumbent returner, Tate. On the other hand, it could just show that Tate's contract is an insurance policy and his position on the team isn't necessarily safe as the team keeps its eyes open on ways to improve certain areas of the roster.