As the Chicago Bears march towards Week 1, they have begun their Organized Team Activities. On Wednesday, the Bears made players and coaches available to the media for the first time.
OTAs give teams an opportunity to get a first look at what their roster looks like as a whole. For the Bears, that means figuring out their offensive line and running back situation amongst other question marks. The media interviews give fans and analysts a better understanding of where the team stands.
Having head coach Ben Johnson and guard Joe Thuney – who just signed a two year extension – available for interviews makes a ton of sense. However, Chicago not having quarterback Caleb Williams available to the media is an eye-opening move.
Scheduled to speak for the #Bears today: Ben Johnson, Tremaine Edmonds, Kevin Byard, Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney.
— Mark Grote (@grotesports) May 21, 2025
Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams must provide answers
While Johnson’s arrival has brought plenty of hype to the Bears, none of Chicago’s plans will work if Williams isn’t operating at full capacity. Especially after struggling following his No. 1 pick selection, the quarterback has plenty of questions to answer entering his sophomore year. Simply being the starting quarterback in a brand new regime calls for questions on their own.
But Williams has been in the spotlight for a completely different reason entering OTAs. In an upcoming book by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, it is revealed that Williams originally didn’t want to play for the Bears. He asked the team to trade their No. 1 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings and even threatened going to the UFL simply to avoid playing for Chicago. Overall, Williams’ pre-draft view of the Bears is not one you’d expect of that same team’s franchise quarterback.
Whenever Williams steps to the mic, he is going to be asked about the book. At this point, the Bears just delaying the inevitable. Johnson has already squashed any lingering beef, and Williams has now fully bought into Chicago. So overall, it’s more of a passing dark cloud than a truly pressing issue.
However, until the quarterback gives his side of the story, he is going to receive flack for what was said in the book. If Williams were to come out and give a reasonable response, there would be no room for second guessing. But as the team continues to avoid Williams addressing the issue, it remains a droning buzz over the Windy City.
Williams will have plenty of time to address the media, perhaps even later on during OTAs. But whether or not the quarterback responds to the book’s claims will become a looming question every press conference. Every media session it goes unanswered, the buzz only grows louder and more negative. Chicago doesn’t want the issue to become worse than it already is.
But at the same time, they’ve decided not to have Williams speak at Wednesday’s OTAs. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Johnson asked about the question.
Chicago Bears have surprise starter at left tackle to open OTAs
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