The St. Louis Rams gave Chris Williams a chance midway through last season when the Chicago Bears cut loose their former first-round draft pick.

But Williams didn’t get many opportunities in St. Louis. Now, he should have some more. The Rams have re-signed Williams to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal can be worth as much as $2.75 million, per the report. The guess here is Williams would have to hit some playing time bonuses.

With Jake Long signed to play left tackle and Rodger Saffold expected to make the move to right tackle (after the Rams can track him down), the quickest way to the starting lineup for Williams will be to win a starting guard job. Williams played guard and tackle for the Bears, getting move inside early in the 2010 season by former offensive line coach Mike Tice.

Long was the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. Williams was selected 14th by former Chicago general manager Jerry Angelo. The Carolina Panthers previously brought Williams in for a visit.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune