Caleb Williams’ career with the Chicago Bears is already under scrutiny, only a year after he was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What was expected to be the beginning of a promising new era in Chicago has quickly turned into a turbulent storyline, with reports surfacing that some veteran players are pushing for a quarterback change.
According to sources close to the team, multiple veterans have approached the Bears’ coaching staff suggesting that backup quarterback Tyson Bagent be given the opportunity to lead the offense.
Their concerns reportedly stem from Williams’ inconsistent performances and his struggle to adjust to the pace and complexity of NFL defenses. NFL commentator Ross Tucker didn’t hold back when analyzing Williams’ situation.
“If I had to bet, you know, if Caleb Williams is going to be the Bears starting quarterback in three years, I’d probably bet No,” Tucker said. He further added, “It’s like the sacks he takes. And that went back to college – hard for quarterbacks to get rid of that. If they have a tendency to take a lot of sacks.”
Bears’ coaching shakeup and internal accountability
The Bears’ offensive troubles haven’t just affected their rookie quarterback. The team recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, signaling a broader organizational concern with how the offense has been operating.
While a coordinator change midseason is always significant, this one is especially telling given how closely tied Waldron was to Williams’ development. In the wake of the coaching change, Williams addressed his teammates and took accountability for the team’s shortcomings.
He reportedly apologized to the locker room for his performance and accepted responsibility for the offensive struggles. While that move earned him respect from some, it also underscored how much pressure is already on the young quarterback to perform.
Complicating matters further is new information from an upcoming book by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham titled ‘American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback’. In the book, it’s revealed that Carl Williams, Caleb’s father, actively tried to prevent his son from being drafted by the Bears.
That revelation has only intensified questions about whether Williams ever truly wanted to play in Chicago, and whether the organization is the right fit for his long-term growth.
For now, Williams remains the starting quarterback, but the atmosphere around him has shifted. With doubts arising from within the team, former players, and the media, the pressure is reaching a boiling point.
The Bears have invested heavily in their future with Williams, but if his development stalls or the team continues to struggle, change could come sooner than expected.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Williams – not just to see if he can rebound, but to determine whether he truly is the franchise cornerstone the Bears hoped for, or another chapter in the team’s long search for a quarterback solution.
Read the full article here