With new head coach Ben Johnson at the helm, the Chicago Bears may look to strengthen their quarterback room this offseason. Specifically, they could pursue an experienced veteran to back up Caleb Williams as he enters his second year.
Currently, Tyson Bagent serves as the Bears’ QB2, but they could retain him while adding a more seasoned presence to the roster.
While Williams’ talent is unquestionable, the NFL presents challenges that a veteran quarterback could help navigate. Veteran quarterbacks can provide valuable mentorship, offering insights into game preparation, reading defenses, and the intricacies of professional play. Additionally, in the event of an injury or unexpected circumstances, having a reliable backup ensures the team maintains its competitive edge.
According to Bleacher Report, the Bears need more depth at quarterback—ideally a player who could step in if Williams misses time but also serve as a mentor during his sophomore season. The suggestion made by the outlet? A “rejuvenated and inspirational Jameis Winston.”
Some Background on Winston’s Career
Jameis Winston was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 draft. During his five seasons with the team (2015–2019), he demonstrated his ability, particularly in 2019 when he led the NFL in passing yards with 5,109. However, his time in Tampa was also marked by turnovers, including an NFL-high 30 interceptions in that same season.
After leaving the Buccaneers, Winston joined the New Orleans Saints in 2020, where he started as a backup before taking over as the starting quarterback in 2021. Injuries limited his impact, leading to his release in 2024.
Over the course of his career, Winston has accumulated more than 24,000 passing yards and 154 touchdowns. In the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns, he stepped in as the starting quarterback after Deshaun Watson’s injury, throwing for 2,121 yards and 13 touchdowns across 12 games. Winston also set a Browns franchise record with 497 passing yards in a single game against the Denver Broncos.
Winston and Caleb Williams share several qualities that could be appealing to the Bears.
Should Chicago Bears Sign Jameis Winston to Back Up Caleb Williams?
Jameis Winston presents an intriguing option for the Chicago Bears, especially considering the parallels between his career and Caleb Williams’.
In 2013, Winston led Florida State to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the youngest player to earn the award at the time. Both he and Williams transitioned from winning the Heisman to being selected first overall in the draft. Winston had a challenging rookie season, finishing with a 6-10 record, while Williams posted a 5-12 mark.
Winston’s wealth of experience could benefit Williams, especially in mentoring him through the pressures that come with being the first overall pick. Having faced similar expectations, Winston’s guidance could help Williams adjust to the demands of the NFL, both on and off the field.
However, there are some concerns that might make the Bears hesitant. Winston has been involved in several off-field controversies, including a 2016 groping accusation, which led to a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Given that Bears GM Ryan Poles values fostering a positive team culture with minimal distractions, it seems likely the team would explore other backup quarterback options, such as Joe Flacco, who demonstrated his lasting abilities with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.
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