Title: Caleb Williams Contemplated UFL Move to Avoid NFL Draft
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham reveals shocking insights in his upcoming book, "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback," highlighting former Oklahoma and USC star Caleb Williams’ serious consideration of signing with a United Football League (UFL) team to evade the 2024 NFL Draft and potentially dodge being selected by the Chicago Bears.
In an excerpt shared by ESPN, Caleb’s father, Carl Williams, criticized the Bears, calling Chicago “the place quarterbacks go to die.” The family expressed concerns over the team’s uncertain stadium and the offensive strategies of then-coordinator Matt Waldron. Carl Williams reportedly brainstormed ways to work around the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, drawing inspiration from Archie Manning’s successful maneuvering with Eli Manning in 2004. He even explored the legalities surrounding UFL contracts to allow Caleb to enter the NFL as an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Carl shared his frustrations about the rookie wage scale, which he claimed could bind his son to a single team for up to eight years, ultimately costing him millions. He referred to the cap as “unconstitutional” and denounced the current CBA as “the worst in sports history.”
While Caleb initially favored joining the Minnesota Vikings, Bears GM Ryan Poles assured the family that they intended to draft him regardless. Discussions of public dissent against Chicago emerged, but Caleb later chose the path of optimism, believing he could help revive the struggling franchise.
During his rookie season, the Bears fired Waldron after just nine games and head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous Thanksgiving loss, marking a historic first in the franchise. Chicago ultimately made significant changes, including the hiring of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and bolstering their offensive lineup to support Williams, who completed 62.5% of passes for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns in his debut, albeit facing an NFL-high 68 sacks.
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