Will Caleb Williams force the Bears to trade the first pick?

USC quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears are the favorites to select him, but smoke is building around the Washington Commanders’ desire to trade up for Williams, who was a high school star in the D.C. area.

The hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator has fanned those flames. Kingsbury served as a senior offensive analyst for USC in 2023. Kingsbury’s arrival has the football world wondering if the Bears will receive a massive Godfather offer from Washington to move up one pick.

“Make an offer I can’t refuse!”

For now, it’s nothing more than speculation, as is Williams’ alleged desire to force his way to the Commanders. Fox Sports blowhard Colin Cowherd sparked the “Williams doesn’t want to play for the Bears” wildfire a few days ago, only to backtrack after Williams’ camp demanded he clarify his statements.

But was there any kernel of truth to what Cowherd said? Is there a chance that Williams will pull an “Eli Manning” and manipulate the 2024 NFL Draft to his benefit?

Here’s what Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said from Las Vegas about the topic:

.@AlbertBreer joined the show and talked about the different rumors surrounding Caleb Williams, presented by @PrizePicks. pic.twitter.com/mi5lqjWg1i

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 6, 2024

This sounds an awful lot like the Eli Manning situation. Archie Manning had an influential role in where Eli ended up playing, and if Caleb Williams’ father, the obvious Alpha in his inner circle, plays the NFL Draft game the same way, Bears fans could be in for a turbulent ride.

Nevertheless, I don’t think Williams will force the Chicago Bears into a trade. He’s a smart guy. His father is a smart guy. They’ve been preparing for this moment since Caleb Williams started playing football. His goal has always been to be the first pick in the NFL Draft, which he’ll achieve in 2024. And unlike recent NFL Drafts when teams like the Jaguars, Panthers, and Bengals had the first pick, Williams will end up in Chicago — one of the biggest media markets in the country.

It’s a perfect storm for Williams, who I’m certain will look at how Chicago embraces its sports celebrities. If he has anywhere near the impact his scouting report suggests he will, he’ll have a chance to be the second-most loved athlete the city has ever had.

That matters. At least, it should. And I think it will.

What do you think, Bears fans? Will Caleb Williams force his way to the Washington Commanders? Create a free account and share your opinion in the comments! If you’d like an ad-free experience and access to our exclusive content, level up to a premium account for just $3.49/mo or $29.99/yr. Bear Down!

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