For the Chicago Bears, this week may just turn out to be one of the most significant in the history of the franchise.
On Wednesday, the Bears announced plans to stay in Chicago and build a state-of-the-art, multibillion-dollar domed stadium on the lakefront — apparently shelving plans for a stadium and entertainment complex in Arlington Heights.
Read More: Bears Ask Taxpayers for $2.4B Subsidy to Build $4.75B Domed Stadium Along Lakefront
And on Thursday, the Bears are expected to use their No. 1 pick in the NFL draft to bring in their quarterback of the future in USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
James “Big Cat” Williams, former offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, gave WTTW News his take on the Bears’ stadium announcement and their plans for the 2024 draft.
On the Bears’ announcement they are staying in Chicago:
“You have this big piece of property out in Arlington Heights, which they paid a lot of money for and it’s a space where they can build a stadium, they can put in hotels — it can be their own little town. So it’s a little confusing as far as them talking about coming back into Chicago. They seem to have worked some things out, and the mayor seems to think it is all fine and dandy and done, but I’m just not sold on it yet because that (Arlington Heights) property has the opportunity to bring in so much money for the organization.”
On expectations the Bears will take Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick:
“It’s an opportunity for the Bears to restart their clock with a fresh quarterback. You’re bringing in a quarterback that has skills, has talents that have to be refined. When you look at it, you’re almost bringing in a young guy in the same position that (Justin) Fields was in when he left. So if you can teach him to run an offense, and if you can run an offense for him with the pieces that they have now put around him, it should be very interesting.”
On trading Justin Fields:
“I think even though the circumstances weren’t ideal for Justin Fields, he had his opportunities to grow, and I don’t think he grew enough for what they wanted to do.”
