A charter franchise in the NFL, the Chicago Bears take great pride in their history. The moments and legends from 104 years of football are celebrated still to this day.

But that longstanding history also includes such a lingering infamy at the most important position in all of sports – quarterback. The Bears have simply never been able to get this role right, a frustrating albatross that has left Chicago with just one Super Bowl championship to claim.

Over just the last 25 years, the Bears missed out on Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper to instead select Cade McNown, they drafted Rex Grossman and then two years later passed on Aaron Rodgers, and also brought in Mitch Trubisky rather than Patrick Mahomes. Chicago has never seen a 4,000-yard season from its quarterback – a feat Rodgers accomplished 10 times and new Packers quarterback Jordan Love conquered last season as a first-time starter.

The most recent Bears quarterback to fall short of his potential is Justin Fields, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft who produced three complex seasons in Chicago. He was let down as a rookie by then-general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy, fighting for their jobs in lame-duck seasons. Fields then entered a rebuilding process in 2022 led by new general manager Ryan Poles, prioritizing a plan for the entire roster over what’s best for the young quarterback.

Fields displayed growth in his third season of 2023, but it also became clear that he would never become a franchise quarterback. His struggles with processing in particular was the great flaw he could never overcome.

The Bears struck a deal on Saturday to send Fields to the Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025. It marked a disappointing end to an era that brought such hope three years ago.

Once again, the Bears are preparing to make another significant move at quarterback – their latest swing at getting this position right – as they are expected to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback prospect Caleb Williams (USC) with the No. 1 overall pick. While Poles and his brass are still conducting due diligence on the quarterbacks in this class – including a visit Wednesday at Williams’ pro day at USC – there is little doubt at this point whom Chicago will select at the top of this draft.

Though the first overall pick fell into the Bears’ laps courtesy of the Panthers (2-15), they have been preparing as a franchise for this opportunity to select Williams. It’s a process that began in earnest last fall with detailed scouting of USC games and only picked up since this offseason began.

Poles and the Bears have positioned themselves well for the arrival of Williams, including over the last week with key acquisitions. They signed dynamic running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year deal, bringing in a reliable rusher to complement Williams. Then they struck a deal with the Chargers to land six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, a future Hall of Famer who’s coming off his fifth 100-reception season in the last seven years.

Allen will pair with the Bears’ top target of last season, DJ Moore, who hauled in 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight scores. Chicago has the only receiving tandem in the NFL with two players to surpass 1,200 yards last season.

“Anytime you got two guys that can make plays and beat man coverage, it’s going to be tough,” Allen said of joining Moore. “That’s anytime. Obviously, he’s a guy that’s made plays in this league for a long time. Myself as well. So, both of us together, it’s going to be pretty good.”

The Bears also brought in veteran tight end Gerald Everett to pair with Cole Kmet, who’s coming off a career year in his own right, and created a competition at center with Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates. It only makes sense to have an experienced caddy at center to help with a rookie quarterback.

Perhaps what’s even more important is the infrastructure in place for the Bears to bring in a rookie quarterback. While Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will be expected to produce meaningful progress this season, neither is considered to be on the proverbial hot seat in 2024. Eberflus elected to overhaul much of his offensive staff with hires like new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph.

Unlike with Trubisky and Fields, Williams would be walking into a franchise that has talent, support and a plan in place.

Williams has found himself drawn to the fact that the Bears (7-10) are not in the typical position of a team picking with the first overall pick. They inherited this through the Panthers’ own struggles and are prepared to potentially ascend.

“I mean, the Bears were a 7-10 team last year, and that’s pretty good for a team that has the first pick,” Williams said. “They’ve got a good defense. They’ve got good players on offense. It’s pretty exciting if you can you go into a situation like that.”

When the Bears host their first practice of OTAs in May and line up their starting offense, it will likely be Williams under center at quarterback. Eberflus and his staff have not been shy about pressing rookies into key roles and Williams is talented enough where he shouldn’t be an exception.

In doing so, the Bears would be avoiding their past missteps of failing to create a succession plan for their young quarterback. Given their belief in Williams, a veteran stopgap quarterback isn’t needed.

The Bears can hope there’s a new chapter in their history ahead, one led by the franchise quarterback they have long coveted.

Fields finds new chance in Pittsburgh

Before the Bears committed themselves to a trade of Justin Fields, Ryan Poles set course with a goal.

Poles made it known through the media that he planned to “do right” by Fields in a potential trade, hoping to find the right landing spot in which he could enhance his career.

That proved to be somewhat challenging given that there simply wasn’t great demand to acquire the 25-year-old Fields. But the Bears passed up stronger offers in dealing Fields to the Steelers, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported.

While those offers presumably didn’t involve a Day 2 selection as the Bears initially hoped for Fields, they didn’t boast the type of opportunity Fields could find with the Steelers. He will work alongside new starter Russell Wilson and press him for the job.

“We have engaged in multiple trade conversations in recent weeks and believe trading Justin at this time to Pittsburgh is what is best for both Justin and the Bears,” Poles said. “(Saturday), we spoke to Justin to inform him of the trade and the rationale behind it for us as a Club. We want to thank him for his tireless dedication, leadership and all he poured into our franchise and community the last three years and wish him the best towards a long and successful NFL career.”

After the trade became known, Fields released a classy statement to the Bears and the city of Chicago.

“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” Fields wrote. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”

Allen’s arrival

Keenan Allen’s Hall of Fame-caliber career is missing an important milestone.

Over 11 seasons with the Chargers, Allen made the playoffs just three times. He played alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Philip Rivers for seven seasons, then current star Justin Herbert for the last four years. Through that, Allen’s Chargers never even reached the AFC Championship game.

As the Chargers sought to trade Allen to a preferred landing spot, the Bears were a team that stood out. He saw a roster that’s ready to win and the opportunity to strive for the Lombardi Trophy in Chicago.

“Year 12, I’ve only been to the playoffs three times. It’s definitely something that’s in the back of my mind. That’s what I want to do.

“When you start to see the roster shaping up the way it is, I think we’re going to have a good shot.”

Allen declined a pay cut with the Chargers, who were left with difficult decisions to get under the salary cap. Coming off a season in which he hauled in 108 receptions in just 13 games, Allen wasn’t willing to sacrifice his salary.

Allen has one year remaining on his current contract and would become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. But he and the Bears may choose to avoid that with a contract extension that makes sense for both sides.

The Bears can sign Allen to a multi-year extension that spreads out the $23.1-million cap hit for 2024 and locks him in beyond this season. It’s a mutually beneficial option, as Allen hopes to stay in Chicago for the long term.

“Absolutely,” Allen said. “Or we wouldn’t be here right now. Obviously, we’ll get there down the line.

“Got one year left and we’ll see what happens.”

Pass rush priority

This offseason, the Bears set out to bring in a proven complement at wide receiver for DJ Moore and a disruptive pass rusher to play alongside Montez Sweat. They are still looking to sharpen the edge.

The Bears did not sign one of the premier pass rushers available in free agency last week, and they’re now left to explore other options.

Eagles veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick is still expected to be traded prior to April 1, when his roster bonus goes into the books in Philadelphia. Reddick has recorded 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons, including 11 sacks in 2023.

But the Bears may well turn their attention to the first round of the draft and their second pick: No. 9 overall. There will be intriguing options available like Laiatu Latu (UCLA), Dallas Turner (Alabama) and Jared Verse (Florida State) to strengthen the pass rush.

The goal is to bolster this entire defense, making a key investment both in Sweat and the rest of that unit.