Caleb Williams Seeks Alternative Path to Avoid Bears in NFL Draft

Source: ESPN

Concerns Over Joining the Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback from USC, was reportedly so apprehensive about being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024 that he and his family explored options to sidestep the entire NFL draft process. In a book by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, titled American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, it is revealed that Williams consulted with lawyers regarding potential legal avenues to circumvent the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. The family even considered signing with the United Football League to gain unrestricted NFL free agency in the future.

According to Carl Williams, Caleb’s father, there was a lack of optimism regarding the Bears’ track record as a franchise. He expressed significant concerns, stating, “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die.” Carl’s fears were rooted in the Bears’ history of unsuccessful quarterback selections, including recent drafts that brought in players like Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields, neither of whom turned into stars.

Family’s Reluctance and Legal Exploration

The book provides a captivating glimpse into the critical discussions between Caleb and his family leading up to the draft. Caleb pondered, “Do I want to go there? I don’t think I can do it with [former Bears offensive coordinator Shane] Waldron.” Carl Williams extensively researched potential methods for Caleb to control his career path, even reaching out to Archie Manning for advice—referencing the former quarterback’s maneuvering to alter his own draft circumstances in 2004.

The Williams family set their sights on various tactics, such as exploring the consequences of the rookie wage scale that could restrict Caleb’s earning potential for years. Carl Williams articulated his frustrations, describing the collective bargaining agreement as “the worst in sports history,” highlighting the financial limitations it imposed.

Rethinking the Draft Decision

As the 2024 NFL draft approached, Caleb faced mounting pressure and uncertainty regarding his future. Beyond his concerns about the Bears, he found himself captivated by the idea of joining the Minnesota Vikings after a successful meeting with their head coach, Kevin O’Connell, at the NFL combine. Caleb expressed to his father, “I need to go to the Vikings,” illustrating his desire for an environment where he felt he could succeed.

Despite his wishes, Caleb and Carl understood that a trade with Chicago was unlikely; Bears GM Ryan Poles was adamant about selecting him. The tension led Carl to contemplate a more aggressive stance—possibly publicly criticizing the Bears, mirroring the actions taken by former players during their draft processes.

Final Choice and Rookie Experience

Ultimately, after a visit to the Bears’ facility, Caleb changed his perspective and resolved, “I can do it for this team.” He accepted the challenges of joining a franchise marked by instability, including coaching changes and a struggling record.

In his rookie season, Caleb faced tough circumstances, including the firing of both Matt Eberflus and Waldron, as the Bears stumbled through a ten-game losing streak. Still, he managed to maintain impressive statistics, completing 62.5% of his passes with 20 touchdowns, despite being sacked an alarming 68 times—leading the league.

With the Bears hiring respected offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in early 2025, Caleb expressed eagerness regarding his second year, highlighting his growth from last season and optimism about working with a new coaching staff.

Caleb Williams continues to be a compelling figure in the NFL narrative, navigating the high stakes of being a quarterback in a challenging environment.

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Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears, NFL Draft, Seth Wickersham, Minnesota Vikings, quarterback, Arch Manning, rookie season, Bears franchise history, United Football League