The Chicago Bears believed that drafting quarterback Caleb Williams would change the franchise’s fortunes in a positive way.
It looks like Williams, the first overall pick, may not have shared that sentiment initially.
In the months leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams and his father, Carl Williams, explored options to avoid being selected by Chicago.
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham reported in his upcoming book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, that the Williams family consulted with lawyers to find a way around the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
One possibility they considered was having Caleb sign with the United Football League so he could become an unrestricted NFL free agent in 2025.
Carl Williams expressed concerns about the Bears’ history with quarterbacks.
“Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” Williams said.
Caleb Williams echoed those sentiments.
“Do I want to go there? I don’t think I can do it with [former Bears offensive coordinator Shane] Waldron.”
The family was also concerned about the franchise’s instability, including stadium uncertainties and offensive struggles under then-head coach Matt Eberflus.
There was even a thought that Williams would push to go to the Minnesota Vikings after a great meeting with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“I need to go to the Vikings,” Williams told his father.
However, both knew that the Bears would never consider a deal to send Williams to a divisional rival.
Bears GM Ryan Poles stood firm, telling Williams “we’re drafting you no matter what.”
After a pre-draft meeting with the team, Williams’ intentions changed and he was motivated to try to help the struggling franchise.
“I can do it for this team,” Caleb told his dad. “I’m going to go to the Bears.”
The Bears would go on to select Williams as the first overall pick in 2024. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $39.4 million contract and became the team’s starting quarterback.
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