The Chicago Bears offseason and 2024 NFL Draft confirm this fact

Caleb Williams officially became a Bear on Thursday night. After an entire off-season where we heard so much discord about Williams, it had to be a mix of both relief and jubilation for many Chicago Bears fans.

Remember how Robert Griffin III suggested he should pull an Eli Manning/John Elway and demand a trade to his hometown of Washington DC and play for Washington Commanders almost until the day before the draft?

Remember when Colin Cowherd reported Williams did not want to come to Chicago, which later he was forced to backpedal his claims after one of Williams' associates reached out.

Remember when internet trolls attacked Williams over painting his nails and the color of his phone while attending an NCAA tournament game? Or him crying in the stand with his family following a loss to the University of Washington last November and how soft he looked?

Thankfully, the Bears and Williams did not let naysayers get in their way of building a relationship.

Perhaps no one waited for this day to finally arrive more than Ryan Poles. Who remembers his first year, which was marred by bad personnel decisions when defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi failed a physical after signing a contract, and traded for wide receiver Chase Claypool and traded disgruntled linebacker Roquan Smith on the same day during the NFL trade deadline? The team finished 3-14 in 2022, the worst season in franchise history.

The turning point for him came last off-season when he traded their No.1 overall pick to Carolina in exchange for their 2023 first and second-round pick, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, and wide receiver DJ Moore. They now have right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who all became major contributors as a rookie and can be counted for an even bigger role in 2024.

The Chicago Bears rebuild is over after the 2024 NFL Draft

This off-season, Poles loaded up on offense by signing running back D'Andre Swift, tight end Gerald Everett while trading for Keenan Allen. He traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, paving the way for Caleb Williams. They also fired embattled offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and hired more experienced Shane Waldron. After this off-season, any doubts about Ryan Poles should be put to rest.

In addition to Williams, the Bears got lucky when Rome Odunze was still available at 9. He admitted he almost moved up to get Odunze before he was talked out of it by assistant general manager Ian Cunningham. It is a good thing Poles showed restrains. The Bears are very lucky to have both Poles and Cunningham quickly rebuilt the Bears.

Just how far has this team come since Poles took over as the general manager? Take a look at the comparison of the starting receivers between 2022 versus 2024 below.

Poles is determined to put an end to the Bears' dubious QB history by not making the same mistakes that previous executives have made. He must change the perception of the franchise that remains the only franchise in the NFL without a quarterback who threw for more than 4,000 yards and threw for more than 30 touchdown passes in a season.

Because of the bad history of quarterbacks, media members like RGIII and Cowherd seem to relish taking shots at the Bears, while the old photos of Sid Luckman continued to appear during the Bears games. Williams will be asked to change the perception, restore credibility, and elevate the Bears. It is a tall task, but Poles have put together an impressive amount of offensive talent for him to be successful.

Williams has shown maturity, determination, and poise beyond his years, which dispelled any perceptions about him this off-season. He is motivated to be the greatest ever and has prepared for this moment since he was 10 years old. He has no time for any trolls who have made fun of him on and off the field. He probably has kept all the receipts this off-season and ready to unload them.

Sure, the Bears are starting over again at quarterback. But this time, it sure feels really different thanks to Ryan Poles. If Williams can succeed, he will own almost every quarterback record in Bears history. And the keys to the city of Chicago eventually. The Bears may need him more than Williams needs the Bears. But he may have found a perfect organization and perfect cast of teammates to achieve greatness.

Any skepticism towards both Poles and Williams should be put to rest. The expectations have never been higher. And the Bears fans are allowed to dream big this upcoming season.