Should Bears fans be worried about this answer from Jaxon Smith-Njigba?

Chicago Bears fans are excited about the addition of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. How could they not be? After a 2023 campaign spoiled by Luke Getsy’s incompetence, Waldron represents a significant upgrade as an experienced play-caller with a resume of success.

What we don’t know, however, is whether the players he’s coached share that same affection.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba appeared in a recent interview with ALL CHGO from the Super Bowl and hesitated to give his opinion about Waldron. And it’s that hesitation that could create panic in the Bears universe.

It’s not a good look. Check it out:

The silence was LOUD when we asked Jaxon Smith-Njigba about new Bears OC Shane Waldron pic.twitter.com/r7beJgxEMq

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 7, 2024

It certainly seemed like JSN wanted to be brutally honest before asking if the interview was live, then shifting his tone to cliche compliments after gathering his thoughts. Maybe he’s bitter about his average rookie season, perhaps he’s blame-shifting his pedestrian production to Waldron.

Or, maybe he’s sending a clear signal to Chicago Bears players and fans: buyer beware.

As a former Ohio State Buckeye, Smith-Njigba seemed to assume Justin Fields would be the quarterback orchestrating Waldron’s offense in 2024, but I don’t think that will be the case. All signs around the league are pointing in the same direction: The Chicago Bears will select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Perhaps a Williams-led Waldron offense will produce better results than Smith-Njigba experienced with Geno Smith under center.

Bears fans can’t suffer through another season of archaic production, including a quarterback who hasn’t (ever) passed for 4,000 yards. That must change under Shane Waldron’s leadership, but JSN’s words will live rent-free in Chicago Bears fans’ heads for a while.

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