Despite their first win of 2023, nothing much has changed regarding the Chicago Bears’ 2024 draft prospects. They’re still in control of the #1 overall pick thanks to their own 1-4 record and the Carolina Panthers’ 0-5 record. If that holds, GM Ryan Poles would have the option of selecting star USC quarterback Caleb Williams. This, of course, would depend on how Justin Fields finishes the season. His eight touchdown passes and one interception in the past two games offer a glimmer of hope that he might be turning things around.
That said, recent rumblings indicate if the Bears have a shot at Williams, there is no way they won’t take it. Naturally, as is always the case with this team and quarterbacks, there are complicating factors. It’s already well known that Williams’ father hinted his son might stay at USC if he doesn’t like the team picking #1 overall next year. Thanks to his NIL deal with the program, he doesn’t need money. However, Dan Pompei of The Athletic revealed there is another complicating factor that might cause the Bears to balk.
“If the Bears have the first pick in the spring, they will need to be certain the player they want will join them. Williams’ father, Carl Williams, has said Caleb could return to USC for another year if he doesn’t want to play for the team with the first pick. There also has been scuttlebutt in NFL front offices that Williams could demand equity from the team that selects him.”
Giving Caleb Williams equity feels needlessly desperate.
For those unfamiliar, it means the Bears would grant the quarterback part ownership of the franchise. That might be part of the necessary sales pitch to get him to declare. Now, such an approach would make sense for a quarterback with a proven background. Aaron Rodgers wanted a piece of the New York Jets when they traded for him. That made sense. He’s a future Hall of Famer and looked like the last piece to their Super Bowl puzzle. With all due respect to Williams, he’s a great college quarterback who has done nothing in the NFL.
What happens if the Bears give him equity and he ends up a failure? Plenty of draft experts refuse to believe that will happen. Caleb Williams is too good of a prospect. While true, the fact is many great prospects don’t pan out in the NFL for various reasons. If he’s a bust, the Bears are still stuck with him as a part owner. Rather than jump through hoops for Williams, they could take North Carolina star Drake Maye and be happy.
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Many variables remain undetermined. The Bears need to hold the #1 pick before making such a decision. Then it comes down to whether they think Williams is worth the effort.
