Bears general manager Ryan Poles didn’t mince his words when reminded that Caleb Williams was advised to “pull an Eli Manning” ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.
Former quarterback turned ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III recently suggested that Williams, the projected No. 1 pick, should not play in Chicago.
The Bears are ranked first in the draft, which takes place next month in Detroit. They are expected to draft the former USC and Oklahoma quarterback.
RGIII questioned whether the Bears would have the quarterback’s “best interests at heart,” citing the team’s handling of Justin Fields.
Griffin also referenced the 2004 Draft, when the Chargers had the No. 1 overall pick but quarterback Eli Manning said he had no interest in playing for San Diego. The Chargers drafted him anyway before ultimately trading him.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been left ‘p***** off’ over advice given to Caleb Williams
Former USC and Oklahoma quarterback Williams is expected to be selected first overall
“It disappointed me a little bit, to be honest, because we were hired to break a cycle,” says the 36-year-old Poles told Pat McAfee.
“Same thing when I was in Kansas City, coach (Andy) Reid, we were all brought there to change a cycle and we did – and nobody talks about those days anymore. It’s all about what they are now.
‘I really believe we are about to break this cycle and put this city in a really good situation and win a lot of games. So the past is the past. I don’t worry about that at all. What matters is where we go.”
The Bears drafted Fields No. 11 overall in 2021 and recently traded the quarterback to the Steelers for the sixth round.
“After everything that happened with Justin Fields, can Caleb Williams really look at that and say, ‘This is an organization that has my best interest in mind, they’re going to develop me into the player I want to become?’ ‘ Griffio asked.
“Can Caleb Williams really look at that and say, ‘This organization is going to help me get where I want to go?’ I don’t think it says that.’
Justin Fields was the Bears’ starting quarterback but was recently traded to the Steelers
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III advised Williams to ‘pull an Eli Manning’
