One could call it chance or call it fate, but there's little doubt that it required quite a bit of good fortune for the to wind up with Caleb Williams as their No. 1 quarterback. As they prepare to meet the Carolina Panthers in this weekend's season opener, the trade history of the two franchises is back in the spotlight.
While it may not have seemed that way at the time, Williams' situation eventually turned heavily favorable under Ben Johnson and a reshaped roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Not only does he have a proper coach guiding him, the trade also netted two essential elements of his success in Wright and Burden.
It's almost difficult to overstate just how much that trade of No. 1 overall in 2023 reshaped the Bears' projection in the years that have transpired since. With the trade now firmly in the rearview mirror, Sunday has a chance to put a stamp on what is already deemed a massive win for the organization.