The Chicago Bears drafted Caleb Williams with the No.1 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft. However, a recent report revealed he did not want to be drafted by the Bears.
According to ESPN, a forthcoming book written by Seth Wickersham details Williams’ and his father Carl’s desire not to be drafted by the Bears. The two even considered signing in the United Football League to then become free agents in 2025 and sign anywhere. Williams and his father’s concerns stemmed from the Bears’ poor history of developing quarterbacks.
“Do I want to go there? I don’t think I can do it with (former Bears offensive coordinator Shane) Waldron,” Williams said, according to Wickersham.
“Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” Carl Williams told Wickersham.
Waldorn is no longer with the Bears, so perhaps Williams’ concerns are no longer a point. However, on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” it was mentioned to new Bears head coach Ben Johnson that Williams’ fears about Chicago could resurface if the team hits a rough patch. Cowherd questioned Johnson on how he would handle things.
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“You talk about fears, and I don’t see it quite the same way,” said Johnson. “I see it as, ‘What a great opportunity we have to do something that has never been done.’ There hasn’t been a 4,000-yard passer here, and I think Caleb is going to be the first one. One of many seasons to come where he can accomplish that feat. I see a chance for greatness here for him. He’s been communicated to that way, and he feels the same way. I don’t know what’s gone on prior to him joining the organization, but he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear.”
Williams set the Bears’ rookie passing record last season. He also snapped a long losing streak against the Green Bay Packers in the final week of the season. Now, with a new regime and a highly regarded offensive coach, he could be ready to take the next step.
“There’s no question we’re going to face adversity. He will. We want to see growth, and it’s not going to be linear growth,” Johnson told Cowherd. “It’s going to be a little bit of ups and downs.”
More NFL: Caleb Williams considered signing with UFL to avoid getting drafted by Bears
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