Chicago Bears fans were split on what the team should do at quarterback going into the 2024 off-season. While they held the #1 overall pick again, Justin Fields had finished the previous season strong with a 4-2 record. He's shown some progress as a passer and was still an electric threat on the ground. Many felt he'd done enough to earn another season as the starter. Ryan Poles considered the idea, but after assessing the options available, the Bears GM opted to start over at the position. He took Caleb Williams #1 overall and traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Poles offered plenty of viable answers for why he took this route. Williams' arm talent, accuracy, and touch were hard to ignore. He also had a glowing track record as a teammate and leader. There was also the contract issue. Fields only has one cheap year left on his rookie deal. It would've cost a lot for the Bears to extend him. Going with Williams bought them four more years of cap flexibility. However, the decision came down to one fundamental difference between the two in Poles' eyes, as he explained on the Adam Schefter Podcast.
Fields was a quarterback the Bears could win with. Williams could be a quarterback they win because of.
Ryan Poles knows Williams can join an exclusive club.
There is only a handful of quarterbacks in the NFL at any given time that can carry a team to victory almost by themselves. Patrick Mahomes is an obvious one. Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, and Aaron Rodgers are the others. C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Herbert all have that capability but haven't yet tapped into it. Chicago feels Williams has the talent and mental fortitude to enter that conversation within the next couple of years. All they have to do is put the right structure around him.
There is already proof of him doing those sorts of things at USC. Don't forget the program went 4-8 in 2021. A year later, when he arrived from Oklahoma, they went 11-2. Last season, they still went 8-5 despite a frankly unimpressive roster. Caleb Williams is no stranger to putting a team on his back. This Bears team won't need that kind of help. They have star power in several spots now. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen at wide receiver. Cole Kmet at tight end. Montez Sweat at edge rusher. Jaylon Johnson at cornerback.
Williams doesn't need to be the hero on this team, which should have people excited.
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