Chicago Bears News: Ryan Poles addresses Caleb Williams contract, Eberflus, and more
Chicago Bears officially opened Training Camp on Friday as veteran players reported to Halas Hall. For the Bears, Friday was the day for players to check in and undergo final medical and conditioning tests before hitting the practice field on Saturday afternoon.
In signaling the opening of camp, Bears' general manager Ryan Poles met with reporters. Poles glossed over the topic of shedding insight into what he learned about contract negotiations with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
"It was positive. I think the big takeaway I learned from the first time being in this situation is that it takes some time and patience. It was positive."
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 19, 2024
Ryan Poles on contract talks with Caleb Williams who does not have a certified agent. #Bears
For all the narratives that were out there regarding the negotiations between the Bears and Williams, it seems that it was a smooth process. Sure, Williams may have had his asks such as being paid as an LLC but it seems there was no point of serious contention between the two sides.
The relationship with Willams and the Bears remains the most important thing developing at Halas Hall during Training Camp. The Bears pulled out all the stops in their courtship of Williams with the goal of him being the franchise quarterback for the next decade.
Matt Eberflus addresses Caleb Williams' playing time during the Pre-Season.
Among the topics that Matt Eberflus touched on while speaking with a reporter is what Caleb Williams' playing time will look like during Pre-Season games.
Matt Eberflus says "they have looked at the amount of snaps" the QB has gotten in the past during the preseason. Says it was 45-55. He anticipates it will be "around there" for Caleb. Also mentioned the snaps that he will be getting against the 1's in practice.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 19, 2024
In the past, with Justin Fields, the Bears seemed to place more of an emphasis on the snaps Fields had during practice including the joint practices they had with other teams. While that has become the norm across the NFL, it would be worthwhile for the Bears to give Williams some regular reps in the Pre-Season as he gets used to the speed of the game at the NFL level.
DJ Moore already endorses Caleb Williams as the leader of the Bears' offense.
While DJ Moore had a strong connection with Justin Fields, that is not interfering with the connection that he is developing with Caleb Williams. Moore was among the players who spoke with reporters on Friday and had nothing but praise for the rookie quarterback.
DJ Moore was asked about Caleb Williams' leadership:
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 19, 2024
"He's just a leader. He had control of the huddle. His arm talent was amazing. That’s what stood out."
Went on to say he looks forward to seeing that in padded practices against the defense. #Bears
These comments from Moore should dispel the idea that he would want out because Fields is no longer the team's starting quarterback.
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