Category: Offseason

The Chicago Bears are checking all the boxes for QB Caleb Williams

It sounds like the Bears have impressed Caleb Williams with how the team has been constructed.

Just a few short months ago, rumors were spreading that presumptive first-overall pick Caleb Williams wouldn’t want to play for the Chicago Bears due to their track record at the quarterback position. At that point, the Bears had recently locked up the top pick by way of the Carolina Panthers and had Williams in their sights while coming off a 7-10 season that saw multiple coaching changes on the offensive side of the ball.

Since then, the Bears have made key moves to bolster their offense, whether it’s bringing in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, signing running back D’Andre Swift, or trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. With those additions, joining wide receiver DJ Moore, tight end Cole Kmet, and an above-average offensive line, it’s all setting up for an ideal situation for Williams, who is set to become the Bears’ next quarterback in less than a week when the NFL Draft gets underway. Based on reports and recent comments, he’s pretty happy with what the Bears and the city of Chicago have to offer.

On Friday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared a breakdown of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft with insight from executives and scouts. Not surprisingly, Williams was at the top, but Pelissero revealed information on how the quarterback viewed the Bears’ situation following his top 30 visit.

Team officials have stayed in touch with Williams since via video chat sessions, just talking football. There still is a matter of agreeing to a contract, which could be more complicated than a normal slotted deal, given the uniqueness of Caleb’s draft process thus far. But sources say the quarterback’s conversations with the Bears have been very frank and positive. The Williams camp sent the message early about what it wanted — investment and infrastructure to help Caleb reach his next goal of chasing Tom Brady and winning Super Bowls — and the Bears so far have delivered. 

The smoke that surrounded Williams’ alleged disinterest in Chicago has fully cleared, and it sounds like he’s bought into what the Bears have to offer. Having a strong infrastructure is important for the 22-year-old quarterback, who has made it known he wants to win and become a legend in the game.

That was evident during a recent interview on the Pivot Podcast. During the interview, Williams is asked how he will help Chicago win a championship. “Now that I want to play at one place for 20 years and chase one guy, No. 12 (Tom Brady),” Williams said. “I want a place that loves ball. That’s all I’ve heard about Chicago so far.”

The Bears have the pieces in place for Williams to succeed out of the gate, and Chicago has the passion behind their football team that he desires. It sounds like the Bears have checked all of the boxes for Williams, and he’s fired up to become the team’s next quarterback, who will hopefully give them a true franchise quarterback for the first time in half a century.

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LOOK: Bears players report for first day of offseason program

The Bears have reported for their first day of school (aka, the offseason program).

The Chicago Bears were one of 25 teams to kick off their offseason program on Monday, where new and returning players reported to Halas Hall for the first phase of the offseason.

With the first phase of their offseason program, there is no on-field activity permitted. But there will be meetings, strength and conditioning work plus rehabilitation.

It’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for Chicago, who traded quarterback Justin Fields and will draft his replacement in Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. They also have another top-10 selection and added some key pieces in free agency in wide receiver Keenan Allen, safety Kevin Byard, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett. But there’s still some work for general manager Ryan Poles to do in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Bears social media accounts shared some images and videos of new and returning players, including wide receiver DJ Moore, safety Kevin Byard and cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson.

The Bears will hit the practice field later this spring for OTAs (May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29 and May 31) and finally mandatory minicamp (June 4-6), which will mark the final organized set of practices before training camp in late July.

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Montez Sweat predicts breakout year for Bears teammate Gervon Dexter

Bears DE Montez Sweat believes DT Gervon Dexter is “gonna jump out on on the scene” this year.

There are high expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears defense, which had a strong finish to the 2023 season. Now, they have the potential to be a top-five defense in the NFL.

Chicago has an ascending secondary returning All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a top linebacker duo with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds and a star edge rusher in Montez Sweat. And there are some young players on the roster looking to take a step forward this season.

Sweat recently appeared on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, where he had high praise for defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, even going so far to predict a breakout season for last year’s second-round rookie.

“You’re gonna see man. He’s pretty good,” Sweat said about Dexter. “I feel like he’s still just kind of unlocking himself and being himself. And I think that’s gonna really flourish this year, but he’s a really talented kid. He’s one of those quick [defensive] tackles and was strong as hell. It’s really is really a sight to see. But yeah, he’s gonna jump out on on the scene for sure.”

The Bears selected Dexter in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, and he showed signs of his potential during his rookie season. While it took him some time to adjust to the pros, his improvement was notable with the more reps he saw. Dexter totaled 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 12 QB hits and two pass breakups in 17 games with one start.

With Justin Jones exiting in free agency, Chicago has a starting job to fill at three-technique. Dexter is the favorite to assume the role, especially given the Bears haven’t made a move to fill that vacant spot yet. We’ll see if Dexter can take the next step forward in Year 2.

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Who will wear No. 13 for the Bears this season?

Tyler Scott recently changed his jersey number from 13 to 10. Will Keenan Allen or Caleb Williams be the next to wear it?

With just over two weeks to go until the 2024 NFL Draft, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears as they hold the No. 1 overall pick. But the questions these days are less about who they will select with that pick, but which number will he wear?

It’s all but certain Chicago is gearing up to select USC’s Caleb Williams as the top pick, given the numerous meetings the two sides have had, coupled with the lack of visits from the other quarterback prospects. When he finally becomes a Bear, though, will he wear his college number 13? Or will that go to new Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen?

The Bears acquired Allen last month for a fourth-round pick from the Los Angeles Chargers, where he spent the entirety of his career while wearing No. 13.

Whether it’s Williams or Allen, someone new is getting it because Tyler Scott, who wore No. 13 last year during his rookie season, has changed to No. 10. The question now becomes: will Allen or Williams take the number?

Williams isn’t a member of the Bears yet, but Allen has already expressed a desire to keep his old number. During his opening press conference in March, Allen was asked if he would keep No. 13 with the Bears. “I’m going to try to,” Allen said with a smile. Perhaps he got his wish.

A number change doesn’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things, but it’s been a topic of conversation amongst Bears fans for the last few weeks. It looks like we’re closer to knowing the answer, but maybe hold off on ordering those jerseys.

Bears host 2 prominent offensive linemen for pre-draft visit

The Bears are set to host Alabama’s JC Latham and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson this week.

A couple of top offensive line prospects are heading to Halas Hall this week to meet with the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham is set to visit with the Bears on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Meanwhile, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson was in Lake Forest on Monday, according to his Instagram.

Latham spent the last two seasons as Alabama’s starting right tackle, where he allowed just two sacks. He’s considered to be one of the top tackle prospects this year, trailing Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, but in the same conversation as Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga. Latham is the second offensive tackle the Bears have brought in on a top-30 visit, along with Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton. Given his young age yet vast experience, Latham is someone the Bears could consider at No. 9 overall.

As for Powers-Johnson, he is the consensus top interior offensive lineman available and is a near lock to be selected in the first round. Powers-Johnson is someone who is more than capable of coming in right away and contributing as a team’s starting center, a position the Bears had trouble with over the last couple of years. It feels unlikely general manager Ryan Poles would pull the trigger on Powers-Johnson at No. 9 overall, but he’s a prime candidate to monitor if the Bears find a way to trade down.

With just over two weeks to go until the draft, the Bears are working hard to finalize their draft board, and more visits could still be on the way. But given their recent activity of wide receivers, edge rushers, and offensive linemen, it feels likely that one of those positions will be a priority after they select their quarterback at No. 1 overall.

Bears to host WRs Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Xavier Worthy this week

The three receivers, along with edge rusher Laiatu Latu, will visit Halas Hall this week.

There are only a few short weeks until the 2024 NFL Draft gets underway in Detroit, and the Chicago Bears are continuing to do their homework in regards to possible players they might select with their four draft picks. While it’s become increasingly likely the Bears will select quarterback Caleb Williams with the top selection, they still have their No. 9 selection to work with, and given their upcoming visits, it appears they’re zeroing in on one or two positions.

The Bears are set to bring in a number of wide receivers and an edge rusher this week on their top 30 visits. According to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, Chicago is bringing in wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Worthy, and defensive end Laiatu Latu on Monday.

Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is saying wide receiver Malik Nabers will be visiting on Wednesday.

Harrison and Nabers are considered by many to be the top two wideouts in this year’s draft. Harrison was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year after totaling 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns for Ohio State, nearly matching his impressive 2022 season. Nabers, meanwhile, exploded with Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. The LSU receiver totaled 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in a breakout season. Harrison and Nabers are mortal locks to be picked inside the top 10.

As for Worthy, he’s a receiver who could be in play should the Bears trade down and recoup some picks. He had a modest season at Texas with 1,014 yards and five touchdowns, but made huge waves at this year’s NFL Combine when he broke the 40-yard-dash record with a time of 4.21 seconds. He’s someone with blazing speed and could be a target on Day 2. It sounds like he welcomes the idea of becoming a Bear, too, given that he posted a photo on Instagram and tagged Williams as he was landing at the airport.

Chicago is bringing in plenty of receivers, but they’re still doing their due diligence on the edge rushers as well. Latu is considered to be one of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft and could be the top one overall if his medicals are of no concern. He totaled 23.5 sacks at UCLA over his last two seasons, including 21.5 tackles for a loss in 2023. While it may be unlikely the Bears select him at No. 9 overall, he would be someone in play if a trade down were to happen.

The Bears have had plenty of visits up to this point, and more are sure to happen before the draft gets underway, but it’s becoming clear they’re in the market for another receiver or an edge rusher. Time will tell whether any of these players hear their names called at the end of the month.

Minneapolis Miracle duo reunited after Stefon Diggs trade

With the blockbuster Stefon Diggs trade, Diggs is again reunited with his Minneapolis Miracle partner, Case Keenum

ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell this morning, reporting that former Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs had been traded to the Houston Texans.

Buffalo sent a package of Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick for a 2025 second-round pick. Houston had acquired that second-rounder from Minnesota in exchange for the No. 23 overall pick in this draft.

While most will be worried about the synergy that Diggs will have with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, what may go overlooked is Diggs’ connection with another quarterback in Houston’s quarterback room.

On Jan. 14, 2018, one of the more improbable finishes ever to a playoff game occurred between the Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. Minnesota quarterback Case Keenum threw a prayer toward the Vikings sideline, hoping Diggs would catch it and get out of bounds.

Instead, two Saints defensive backs ran into each other and left nothing but green grass and purple elation for the Vikings faithful to celebrate “The Minneapolis Miracle” forevermore.

Diggs and Keenum have reunited again in Houston, hoping that the Diggs-Stroud connection can mimic just a sliver of the magic that occurred on that fateful January day.

Caleb Williams met with Bears front office and current players in Chicago

According to Marc “Silvy” Silverman of ESPN 1000, Caleb Williams dined with the Bears on Tuesday night, which included some current players.

Caleb Williams was in town last night as part of his top 30 visit with the Chicago Bears and met with more than just the front office.

According to Marc “Silvy” Silverman of ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show, Williams was in town on Tuesday evening and had dinner with the Bears brass—including some current players.

During the NFL owners meetings last week, the Bears indicated Williams would be coming in sometime this week for his official visit. The twist, however, is that he was meeting with and getting to know current players during this dinner. “They had him not sit with the Bears executives, who were there, by the way,” Silvy said. “But he sat and ate with current players on the current Bears roster.” It is not known which current players were in attendance.

Prospects dining with front office members during the pre-draft cycle is nothing new and is normally part of the process for teams to get to know them, but hearing that Williams was with current Bears players is notable. It’s yet another indication that Williams will be the quarterback chosen by the Bears at No. 1 overall when the draft takes place in a few weeks, barring a major upset.

Williams isn’t the only high-profile prospect coming to town this week, however. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze will be visiting Halas Hall on Thursday for his top 30 interview. Odunze is one of the top receivers in the draft and is a popular target for the Bears to select with their second first-round selection at No. 9 overall.

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Bears legend Steve McMichael hospitalized

The McMichael family is asking for prayers.

Chicago Bears legendary defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, his family announced in a statement that was shared via WGN’s Jarrett Payton. McMichael was admitted to the hospital and is undergoing tests. A few hours later, Payton shared an update that McMichael has a urinary tract infection and will be returning home.

McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and has been in and out of the hospital the last couple of years. Most recently, McMichael was admitted to the hospital in mid-February and was diagnosed with MRSA. He was released a few days later after undergoing a blood transfusion.

The former Bears great spent 13 of his 15 seasons in Chicago, becoming one of the key cogs of the 1985 Super Bowl champion defense. McMichael racked up 95 sacks over the course of his career to go along with 847 tackles. In February, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 and will be enshrined in Canton this August.

Bears land dynamic duo in Field Yates’ latest mock draft

The Bears have a perfect first round in Field Yates’ new mock draft, where they secure a dynamic duo for the future.

ESPN’s Field Yates unveiled his latest two-round mock draft, which featured a favorable scenario for the Chicago Bears with their pair of top-10 selections.

In what will come as a surprise to no one, Chicago selects USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall selection. It’s as close to a lock as you can get at this point, following the Justin Fields trade and the extensive time the Bears have spent with Williams during the pre-draft process.

We know the Bears will use the first overall pick on a quarterback — they traded Justin Fields to the Steelers last month — and Williams is a safe bet to be the answer under center. His dazzling playmaking ability will travel to the NFL, and he’d be set up for early success with an enviable wide receiver duo of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Chicago might even be able to further improve his supporting cast with its second top-10 selection at No. 9. Either way, this pick concludes the stress-free portion of the draft, as things get interesting from here.

The No. 9 pick is where things will get interesting for the Bears. With the expectation that four quarterbacks will be selected in the top five, Chicago will have options at several positions come the ninth overall selection.

In this scenario, Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze falls right into the Bears’ lap, giving Chicago a potent 1-2-3 punch at receiver along with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.

This pick projection really excites me. Odunze ranks sixth on my board, meaning he’s a value pick at No. 9 and a great get for the offense, which will be led by a rookie QB. The idea of Odunze alongside DJ Moore and Keenan Allen is tantalizing, as Odunze tied for the most contested catches in the FBS last season with 24. His combination of 6-foot-3 size, great body control and high-end instincts makes him a threat at every level of the field.

If Odunze isn’t available, one of offensive tackle Joe Alt or edge rusher Dallas Turner (both considered the top prospect at their respective positons) will be available for the Bears at No. 9. General manager Ryan Poles could even elect to trade back and acquire more capital in what’s a top-loaded draft class. It’s a win-win scenario regardless.

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