Rumors are always prominent this time of year. The Chicago Bears were always going to be part of them because they held the #1 pick in the 2024 draft. So, they control the narrative of how things will go. One of the most notable rumors over the past week was the idea Caleb Williams, the former USC star quarterback and presumptive top pick, preferred to avoid going to Chicago in favor of returning home to Washington. Nobody took the idea too seriously since it didn’t come from Williams himself, but circumstances have somewhat changed.
The Washington Commanders, who hold the #2 pick, are set to hire former USC quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator. While it doesn’t set anything in stone, the timing is certainly interesting. Maybe they liked Kingsbury as a candidate overall, or perhaps they’re hiring the guy who knows Williams better than any other available option. This has led some to speculate that Washington and Chicago may already be discussing a potential trade that would see the teams swap spots.
Insider Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus added some interesting details on that subject.
Why would the Chicago Bears entertain this idea?
The answer is simple. If GM Ryan Poles doesn’t see much of a gap between Williams and either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels as quarterback prospects, then it would make sense to take advantage of Washington’s obvious interest. If the Bears can secure a future 1st round pick by moving down one spot and still getting a quarterback they like, it is an easy decision. While many in the media seem to think Williams is the obvious choice, there are more than a few who believe Maye is the better overall prospect.
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This could all be nothing but smoke and mirrors. Maybe Washington thinks Kingsbury can work just fine with Maye. Still, it’s hard not to connect the dots. Poles already proved once he’s not afraid to move down from the #1 spot if he gets an offer he likes. Everything hinges on what the Chicago Bears GM thinks of Williams. If he sees a franchise QB, there is no way he’s moving. However, if he thinks there is no difference between him and Maye, a trade becomes far more likely. Keep an eye on the scouting combine. That is typically where the real action begins.
Both Lincoln Riley and Kingsbury PICKED their quarterbacks in college recruitment. Many players wanted to go to Texas Tech, Oklahoma and USC, but only a few were selected by the two coaches. Mike Leach too. Washington can pick. Williams can pick. I think Waldron is a better Chicago option (although I had wanted Darrell Bevell or Kingsbury). Waldron has experience and knowledge of as many systems as Bevell. Kingsbury (to date) has only one. If Williams goes to Washington, it better work out for both of them. If not, they’ll have to learn on the fly. Fields and Waldron are… Read more »
Possibilities exist regarding the Klingsberry hire, true, but does it mean a trade may be in play? Short answer is simple, a very good possibility and it would not surprise me to hear it announced during the scouting combine unless NE or NYG, etc. makes a substantially higher offer that Poles simply cannot turn down. All this smoke and mirrors secrecy combined with the over-the-top media hype around CW plays directly into R Poles favor and you can bet he is sitting back knowing he will fleece some team for a king’s ransom for that #1 pick. The truth is,… Read more »
@Bubba Ho-Tep
I like your trade projections, but they have to have willing trade partners to cooperate.
With Kingsbury, Washington CAN get greater production from Williams than he would with Getsy if they can snag him.
Keep in mind that if Williams goes to Washington, he’ll face a Giants, Dallas and Philadelphia pass rush 6 times a year, something he didn’t come close to either at Oklahoma or USC.
Kingsbury coached at Texas Tech before going to the Arizona Cardinals.
(The Mahomes Texas Tech).
Kingsbury and Lincoln Riley work with a specific TYPE of quarterback. Drake Maye is not that type. At all. Kings yet might have worked with a different type, but I don’t think so in the last decade. I doubt if Washington would hire a coordinator like Kingsbury, if they didn’t want to either work with a drafted quarterback or converting Howell. Bieniemy has also been cut off from both Washington and Las Vegas and may be completely off the carousel in this cycle. Hiring him as a consultant or quality control coach might be possible if Waldron wants another perspective… Read more »
When the Bears IMPROVED the Swiss cheese offensive line for Fields, sacks decreased and interceptions went down. When they added a weapon to help him out, that weapon produced 1300 yards of offense. Fields ascension is STILL occurring with an opportunity to FINALLY have an experienced play calling OC. Looking at the last 25 number 1’s at QB, only a hand full attained elite status. The rest, meh to okay careers. Fields isn’t done growing and already has an established floor. I say trade #1 for a haul, and continue building the sustainability for success, having one full season to… Read more »