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Caleb Williams is one of the biggest talents available for the 2024 NFL Draft, and most are convinced that the Chicago Bears will make him the first overall pick. However, there is a scenario in which this does not happen, much to the relief of the other three teams in the NFC North.
Caleb Williams, USC; Drake Maye, of North Carolina; LSU’s Jayden Daniels; Michael Penix Jr., of Washington; and Oregon’s Bo Nix are the top five quarterback prospects for the 2024 Draft.
Last season, Chicago finished with a record of seven wins and ten losses, which sent them to the bottom of the North Division of the National Conference (NFC) and they want to avoid that fate for next season.
Their quarterback, Justin Fields, is in his third season as a professional, and although his numbers were good, 2024 would be the last year of his rookie contract and the team would be forced to renegotiate or let him go. This is where Williams would come in.
The main stage for the April draft
The Bears have the first overall pick in the draft, and most analysts agree that they will take Williams this time. Chicago also has the ninth overall pick, with which they could select any top receiver still available, such as LSU’s Malik Nabers.
Chicago also needs to strengthen its offensive line, especially the interior positions, and its defense could use an edge. However, the temptation of having a QB-WR duo led by Williams might be too much to pass up.
There are too many scenarios to list them all, but there are a couple very plausible ones where Williams would end up on other teams, and the Washington Commanders, who have the second overall pick, are the first choice.
T
he secondary scenarios
The first scenario would be that Chicago agrees to trade its first pick in exchange for a very juicy offer from any other team. After all, the franchise got this turn thanks to a similar deal with the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 draft.
The second scenario is more unlikely, but it has happened at least once before, when Eli Manning threatened in 2004 to sit out his entire rookie season to force the San Diego Chargers to trade him to the New York Giants.
It should be remembered that recent changes in the NCAA gave athletes the ability to market their image and brand, which gave them considerable economic leverage, known as NIL. At $3.5 million, Williams has the second-highest NIL in NCAA football, giving him serious negotiating power.
In this second scenario, Williams could pull a Manning, threaten the Bears with sitting out the entire season, and push for a trade, most likely to the Commanders.
Why the Commanders in particular? Because their new offensive coordinator is Kliff Kingsbury, former USC assistant coach, who could influence the young quarterback’s decision. Furthermore, Williams is a Washington, DC, native and the desire to play near home could influence his final decision.
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