Shocking Revelation: Chicago Bears Were Reportedly Close to Drafting J.J. McCarthy Over Caleb Williams in 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft was widely expected to be the dawn of a new era for the Chicago Bears, who held the No. 1 overall pick and had a glaring opportunity to reshape their franchise. The general consensus—among fans, analysts, and league insiders—was that the Bears would draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams, a generational talent who had drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes due to his arm talent, mobility, and improvisational brilliance.

And that’s exactly what they did—officially.

But in a surprising post-draft revelation, multiple sources have now confirmed that the Bears were allegedly “very close” to selecting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy instead of Williams. The bombshell has sent shockwaves through the league, raising questions about what could have been and what almost wasn’t.

An Open Secret Among League Insiders?

In a recent ESPN segment, veteran NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reported that league executives and scouts had been murmuring for weeks that Chicago’s decision at No. 1 was not as clear-cut internally as it seemed externally. “There was a strong push by some voices in the Bears’ building who believed J.J. McCarthy was the safer and more scheme-versatile quarterback,” Fowler stated.

Fowler wasn’t alone in this revelation. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also hinted that general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus were “thoroughly impressed” by McCarthy during pre-draft interviews, private workouts, and whiteboard sessions. Several team sources reportedly told Pelissero that McCarthy’s maturity, football IQ, and leadership qualities “blew the doors off” the Bears’ staff.

“Don’t underestimate how close this came to happening,” one anonymous NFC executive told Pelissero. “If this were any other year without a Caleb Williams-level prospect, J.J. would’ve been No. 1 easily.”

What Drew Chicago to McCarthy?

J.J. McCarthy’s resume is nothing to scoff at. A national champion with Michigan, McCarthy compiled a 27-1 record as a starter, displaying elite poise, pocket presence, and decision-making. While his statistics were often seen as modest due to Michigan’s run-heavy system, evaluators consistently praised his ability to deliver in clutch moments, execute on schedule, and serve as a culture-defining leader.

“He’s wired the right way,” one Bears staffer reportedly said. “It wasn’t just his play—it was how teammates responded to him. He was humble, commanding, and fearless.”

At the NFL Combine, McCarthy’s interviews were reportedly among the best. He also performed strongly during his pro day, showcasing an effortless release, better-than-expected arm strength, and consistent footwork. Those close to the Bears organization now say McCarthy fit the profile of what head coach Matt Eberflus and new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron were envisioning for their offense—a quarterback who could work within structure, limit turnovers, and lead with toughness and grace.

Why Caleb Ultimately Won Out

Despite the serious consideration McCarthy received, Caleb Williams remained the consensus top player on most draft boards throughout the process. Williams’ rare blend of creativity, arm talent, and athleticism made him a franchise-altering figure in the eyes of most NFL teams.

Ryan Poles, in his post-draft press conference, was effusive in his praise of Williams. “Caleb checks every box,” Poles said. “From leadership, to on-field production, to playmaking ability—he’s the guy we believe can elevate this organization for years to come.”

In hindsight, however, those comments mask what we now know was a spirited internal debate. While Williams may have had the higher ceiling, McCarthy was viewed as having the higher floor. And with pressure mounting for the Bears’ front office to finally get the quarterback position right, that distinction briefly made the decision much less obvious than anyone outside Halas Hall suspected.

NFL Draft Drama: A Recurring Theme for Chicago

For the Chicago Bears, quarterback drama is nothing new. The team’s long and tortured history at the position—from the Rex Grossman rollercoaster to the Mitchell Trubisky saga—has haunted the franchise for decades. The shadow of having passed on Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in favor of Trubisky in 2017 still looms large.

That history may have, ironically, influenced the debate this time around. Sources close to the situation said Poles was “adamant” about avoiding another headline-dominating bust. This draft wasn’t just about choosing a quarterback—it was about getting the quarterback. And in the end, despite real affection for McCarthy’s polish and presence, the Bears felt Williams’ rare arm and playmaking ability offered a higher ceiling too tantalizing to pass up.

Fallout and Reactions Around the League

Unsurprisingly, word of the Bears nearly drafting McCarthy sparked strong reactions across the NFL world. ESPN’s Mina Kimes called it “a fascinating case of perception versus process.”

“The Bears played it close to the vest,” Kimes said on her podcast. “We all assumed it was Caleb all the way. But the fact that McCarthy even made it interesting tells you how much the league values intelligence, leadership, and winning pedigree—especially in today’s NFL.”

Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky added, “This tells me J.J. is going to be a problem in Minnesota. He’s got the ‘it’ factor, and clearly Chicago saw that. They just couldn’t bring themselves to say no to a player like Caleb.”

McCarthy, for his part, hasn’t commented on the report, but multiple Vikings insiders noted that he’s used being “underrated” throughout the draft process as fuel. “He’s got a chip the size of Lake Michigan,” one Minnesota staffer said.

Could This Become a Regret?

With both Williams and McCarthy now division rivals in the NFC North—Williams with the Bears, McCarthy with the Vikings—this draft decision may be revisited for years to come. It’s rare for two quarterbacks of this caliber, and this level of early-career attention, to be placed in the same division with a shared history before they’ve played a down.

The comparisons will be inevitable.

Every touchdown pass McCarthy throws in purple will be weighed against Williams’ highlights in navy and orange. Every interception or loss will invite critics to wonder aloud: Did Chicago pick the wrong one—again?

Even more fascinating is how McCarthy’s steady demeanor contrasts with Williams’ flashier style. The Michigan product leans into the system, excels in play-action, and seems tailor-made for a team-first, run-heavy offense. Williams, on the other hand, thrives in chaos and is tasked with transforming Chicago into a vertical threat factory.

Caleb Williams has already endeared himself to Chicago with a calm, confident approach to his first offseason. Reports from minicamp and OTAs suggest he’s picking up the playbook quickly, commanding respect from teammates, and showing glimpses of the dazzling ability that made him a star at USC.

But the knowledge that J.J. McCarthy was this close to being the Bears’ pick adds an intriguing wrinkle to Williams’ story. It also raises the stakes. For better or worse, Chicago’s brass has tied their future to a dynamic, game-breaking quarterback over a proven, steady winner. Time will tell if they made the right call.

Should McCarthy light it up in Minnesota and lead the Vikings to sustained success while Williams struggles in the Windy City, fans will not forget how close this story was to being rewritten.

In the NFL, the margins between stardom and second-guessing are razor-thin. For the Bears, the margin may have been just one more meeting, one more whiteboard session, or one more gut feeling away from a completely different future.

And now, with both quarterbacks set to clash twice a year in one of football’s most historic rivalries, the decision will be judged not only by wins and losses—but by legacy.