Bears Stock Watch: Caleb Williams and Chicago’s Playmakers Stand Pre-NFL Draft and Free Agency…
As the NFL season winds down and the offseason begins, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears, who are in the midst of an important rebuild. With the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago has the opportunity to significantly shape their future. Additionally, the team will enter free agency with a need to build a competitive roster, which has made the offseason a critical time to assess the status of key players, including the potential arrival of star quarterback Caleb Williams.
Caleb Williams: The Future of Chicago’s Quarterback Position
The most significant storyline surrounding the Bears heading into the 2025 offseason is the potential addition of Caleb Williams, the standout quarterback from the University of Southern California (USC). Williams, who is widely regarded as the best quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, could be the player who changes the trajectory of the Bears’ franchise.
After a stellar season in 2024, Williams is expected to be selected first or second overall, and Chicago holds the second pick. Many believe that the Bears should take Williams, as he has displayed exceptional skills that make him an ideal fit for a team seeking a future franchise quarterback. His ability to throw on the run, his poise in the pocket, and his overall playmaking ability have been on full display in college, and many believe he could immediately elevate the Bears’ offense.
However, Chicago already has Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency. Fields’ development has been an ongoing storyline in the Windy City, as he has had moments of brilliance but has yet to reach the level of an elite quarterback. This leads to the central question: Should the Bears trade Fields to fully commit to Williams, or should they opt to keep Fields and draft a player like an elite defensive prospect instead?
If the Bears do take Williams, they would essentially be signaling that they are ready to move on from the Fields era. This decision will not only impact the quarterback position but also how the team builds its offense moving forward. If Chicago drafts Williams, they will need to invest in a supporting cast that can make the most of his talents.
The Bears’ Playmakers: Who Stands Out?
Regardless of who lines up at quarterback in 2025, the Bears will need to surround their signal-caller with the right playmakers. This will be a crucial offseason for general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, as the team has several key areas that need addressing.
Wide Receivers: Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool
The Bears have a promising wide receiver in Darnell Mooney, who has been the team’s top target in recent seasons. Mooney has shown solid route-running ability and has the speed to stretch the field. However, he has struggled to consistently produce without a true No. 1 quarterback. With the right quarterback—especially someone like Williams—Mooney could thrive in an offense that maximizes his skill set.
On the other hand, Chase Claypool has yet to justify the significant trade investment the Bears made in him. After arriving in Chicago in 2024, Claypool showed flashes of the talent that made him a promising player in Pittsburgh, but he has struggled to stay healthy and contribute consistently. The Bears will need to decide if Claypool can fit into their future plans or if they need to cut ties and look for other options in free agency or the draft.
Running Back: Khalil Herbert
At running back, Khalil Herbert has been one of the most consistent offensive players for the Bears. His ability to find holes and create big plays out of the backfield has made him a key contributor to the Bears’ offense. With the likely transition to a more pass-heavy attack under Williams, Herbert’s role could evolve into more of a dual-threat weapon—capable of running the ball but also serving as a safety valve in the passing game. Chicago could look to add depth behind Herbert, especially if they decide to focus on rebuilding their offensive line to better support their new-look offense.
Tight End: Cole Kmet
The Bears have a solid option in tight end Cole Kmet, who has been a reliable target in the passing game. Kmet has the size and athleticism to be a top-tier tight end in the NFL, but he has not yet developed into a true game-changer. With a new quarterback potentially taking the reins, Kmet could see a rise in his usage if the team is able to improve its overall passing game.
Free Agency: Bolstering the Offensive Line and Defense
The Bears are in a prime position to add talent in free agency, with a significant amount of cap space at their disposal. One of their main priorities should be improving the offensive line, which has been inconsistent in recent years. A young quarterback like Caleb Williams will need a sturdy offensive line to thrive, and this will be an area where the Bears should make a big investment.
Defensively, the Bears have a solid foundation with players like Roquan Smith and a young core of pass-rushers. However, they will need to add more talent to remain competitive in a highly competitive NFC North. Adding depth to the secondary and bolstering the defensive front seven could help improve the overall defense and create a balanced team around Williams (if they take him).
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears are at a critical juncture in their rebuild. With the potential addition of Caleb Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team could turn the page on its quarterback saga and begin a new era. However, their success will depend on much more than just the quarterback position. The Bears will need to invest in improving their playmakers, the offensive line, and the defense to ensure that whoever leads the offense has the tools to succeed. With smart moves in free agency and the draft, Chicago could finally find the stability it has been searching for and put the pieces in place to be competitive in the NFC once again.
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