Former MVP Says Caleb Williams Would Regret Not Going To Chicago

Rumors have persisted for some time that Caleb Williams is reluctant to get drafted by the Chicago Bears. He worries about their dubious track record at developing quarterbacks over the past several years. The USC star spoke publicly for the first time this week and insisted that wasn't true. If the Bears were to draft him, he'd be excited. Yet rumors haven't gone away. Word is the Washington Commanders are making an aggressive push to trade for the #1 pick, hoping to bring Williams back to his home city and reunite with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Many people think that is an ideal scenario for him. One person who doesn't is Boomer Esiason. The former MVP quarterback and longtime CBS Sports analyst has watched Williams for his entire college career. He believes the kid is the real deal. However, going home to Washington would be a mistake. In his mind, the Bears are on the cusp of becoming a really good team. They have the ideal infrastructure for a young quarterback to thrive. Forget the history. This team is ready to win now.

Esiason is correct. Caleb Williams can't let nostalgia cloud his judgment.

Washington was a far worse football team than the Bears last season. Their offensive line is a complete mess, having allowed 65 sacks. One of their best receivers, Curtis Samuel, will likely leave in free agency. If that weren't bad enough, the defense was also dead last in the NFL and traded away two of their best players last October. Everything points to this team approaching a rebuild. Meanwhile, the Bears went 7-10 last season, have a defense that finished 12th in the league despite an ugly start, and employ a receiver in D.J. Moore who topped 1300 yards. He turns 27 this year. This doesn't even include Cole Kmet, who, at age 24, had his best season yet with 716 yards and six touchdowns.

None of this includes the fact Chicago has a bounty of resources, such as $80 million in cap space and a second pick in the top 10. They are well-equipped to build further around a young quarterback. If Caleb Williams believes he is truly capable of being great, he couldn't ask for a better opportunity. Most teams that hold the #1 pick aren't nearly as well-stocked as the Bears are. Yes, their legacy is rough. That doesn't matter in the present. They're ready.