Caleb Williams’ father, Carl, expressed strong reservations about his son being drafted by the Bears, stating, “Chicago is where the quarterback dies.” According to a report by ESPN, they actively sought ways to avoid a draft selection by the team, wanting Caleb to have the freedom to pick the start of his professional career.
“I don’t want my son to play with the Bears,” Carl shared with several agents in 2024.
The family even consulted lawyers, pondering the possibility of bypassing the NFL Draft and considering options like the United Football League. They were concerned about whether Chicago could provide Caleb with the necessary resources and organizational support, especially given the Bears’ long history without a star quarterback since the 1980s—an issue that casts a shadow over the franchise.
Caleb was also apprehensive about coaching stability, particularly under then-head coach Matt Evals and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. “Do I want to go there? I don’t think I can do that,” he reportedly wondered aloud.
Those worries proved valid; both Evals and Waldron were let go during Caleb’s rookie season. Thomas Brown took over from Waldron as the offensive coordinator and later became the interim head coach after Evals was dismissed shortly after Thanksgiving.
In January, the Bears hired Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Caleb had initially hoped to join the Vikings after a positive interaction with head coach Kevin O’Connell at the NFL scouting combine. However, Bears GM Ryan Poles insisted, “We’re drafting you no matter what.”
Carl turned to Archie Manning for guidance on navigating draft negotiations, seeking insight on how to bypass the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. He voiced his frustration about the restricted rookie wage scale, labeling it “unconstitutional” and “the worst S-T I’ve ever read,” criticizing its implications on his son’s financial prospects.
Carl estimated that the rookie scale limited Caleb’s market value significantly, binding him to the team for up to eight years with the possibility of a franchise tag.
After discussing options with lawyers and agents, Carl managed to steer Caleb toward signing with the UFL, ultimately making him an unrestricted NFL free agent in 2025.
Despite facing challenges, Caleb showcased talent in the previous season, even as the team ended with a 5-12 record. He completed 62.5% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Reflecting on his experience with the Bears, Caleb noted a lack of guidance, stating, “No one will tell me what to look at. I just turn it on.”
The Bears chose not to comment on the situation.
