In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall, aiming for an immediate franchise revival. However, the team finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record, falling well short of expectations despite their focus on the Caleb Williams Bears quarterback renovation plan.
Although the Bears pursued offseason reinforcements by acquiring veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and signing offensive weapons such as running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, their offense struggled, ranking dead last in total yards and near the bottom in scoring. The offense managed just 284.6 yards and 18.2 points per game, highlighting the difficulties the team faced.
Caleb Williams Displays Promise Amid Growing Pains
Williams showed glimpses of his potential with impressive individual statistics, completing 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and adding 489 rushing yards during his rookie campaign. However, inconsistency marred both his performance and that of the Bears, contributing to their disappointing season.
Midseason, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus, underscoring instability within the organization. NFL commentator Colin Cowherd, following a dinner with Bears President Kevin Warren, described the team’s situation last year as being in “survival mode,” especially for Williams and the coaching staff.
Ben Johnson’s job in Chicago is an extreme quarterback makeover,
Cowherd said.
The talent is all there, but they’ve gotta renovate the house. Caleb, his last six games at USC and last season along with the Bears staff last season, it’s just surviving. It’s just getting play-to-play, and he developed some really bad habits.
—Colin Cowherd, NFL Radio Host
Offseason Moves Aim to Strengthen Team for Next Year
The Bears have taken aggressive steps to improve both offense and defense heading into 2025. In the trenches, they signed center Drew Dalman and executed trades to bring in guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. On defense, veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was added to bolster the front line.
To support Williams further, Chicago also acquired wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, as well as running back Travis Homer. These additions reflect the organization’s commitment to building a stronger roster around their young quarterback.
Outlook: Will Ben Johnson’s Leadership Bring the Bears Back?
With Ben Johnson now at the helm as head coach, the Bears face the critical task of reshaping Caleb Williams’ approach and enabling him to reach his full potential. While NFL turnarounds seldom happen quickly, the combination of a new coaching staff and key offseason signings provides hope for improvement.
Questions remain whether the Bears can accelerate their development and contend seriously in the NFC by next season or if they will require additional time to become playoff contenders. The Bears’ progress will be closely watched as Williams and Johnson attempt to transform the team’s fortunes following a difficult rookie year.