Former Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams told ESPN that he has no qualms if he is selected by the Chicago Bears with the top overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
That said, Williams admitted Tuesday in his phone call with the network that he also is intrigued by other teams.
“If I get drafted by the Bears, I’ll be excited,” he said. “If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I’m just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they’d be excited.”
Williams is scheduled to arrive Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Per the NFL Network, he is expected to meet the Bears, Washington Commanders (No. 2 overall pick in draft), New England Patriots (No. 3), New York Giants (No. 6), Atlanta Falcons (No. 8), New York Jets (No. 10), Minnesota Vikings (No. 11) and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13).
“I’m not pushing any agenda,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I’m not pushing an agenda of, ‘Yeah, I want to go. Or no, I don’t want to go.’ I’m excited for whatever comes.”
The biggest consideration for Chicago is whether Williams could be a better fit at quarterback than 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields.
Should the Bears opt against selecting Williams, a homecoming with the Commanders could be on the table for the native of Washington, D.C.
“It’d be really cool because it’s so familiar,” he said. “There’s a time and place for everything. My job and my hobby is being at the facility or on the field or watching film. Or relaxing and prepping for the next day or game.
“My main goal and focus … is to go win games and stay focused on keeping the main goal the main goal.”
Williams said he is not planning to work out at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Rather, he will throw at USC’s pro day on March 20.
Williams followed up winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy by passing for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games this past season. Though his numbers were strong, the Trojans finished with a disappointing 8-5 record (5-4 Pac-12). They won the Dec. 17 Holiday Bowl over Louisville, 42-28, but Williams decided to sit out the game.
–Field Level Media