The Chicago Bears entered the season with high hopes but have fallen apart in spectacular fashion.
Chicago’s struggles continued on Monday, December 16, as they suffered their eighth straight loss, falling to the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams looked battered and drained on the sidelines, while the Bears defense couldn’t stop Minnesota from reaching 30 points in a blowout defeat, dropping Chicago to a 4-10 record.
Wide receiver Davante Adams, who plays for the similarly struggling New York Jets after years of tormenting the Bears as a Green Bay Packers player, added more insult on Tuesday as Chicago tried to regroup and figure out their next steps.
Kay Adams, host of the “Up & Adams” show on FanDuel TV, interviewed the wideout and asked if he would ever consider playing for his old NFC North rival.
“No,” he replied sharply.
“My whole control room just erupted in laughter,” said the host, who was also laughing.
The six-time Pro Bowler, now laughing himself, went on to explain his reasoning.
“Look, I’m not playing too much longer as it is. So, in my last years in the league, after everything I’ve been blessed with, I won’t be going to Chicago,” he continued. “I respect everyone I play, but I’m not playing for the Bears. No.”
Davante Adams Hasn’t Played Meaningful Football Since Leaving Green Bay
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams’ disdain for the Bears seemed to stem both from his long-standing rivalry with the team and his frustration with the franchise’s ongoing struggles since Lovie Smith’s departure after the 2012 season.
In the 11 seasons since Smith left, the Bears have only made the playoffs twice, a streak that will extend to 12 seasons once the 2024 campaign ends. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2010 postseason.
However, there’s an element to Adams’ comments that could be seen as throwing stones from a glass house. While he has remained somewhere between good and elite over his three seasons after leaving Green Bay, his streak of Pro Bowl appearances ended after just one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that then parted ways with Adams’ close friend and college teammate, Derek Carr.
Adams has also had his share of negative public moments since leaving the Packers. He shoved a photographer to the ground after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and criticized his Raiders teammates on multiple occasions due to sideline frustration.
Earlier this year, Adams demanded a trade from the Raiders while dealing with a hamstring injury, which some speculated he might have exaggerated until he got what he wanted. The Raiders eventually traded him to the Jets, where his reunion with former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has made little impact on the Jets’ 4-10 season.
Bears Have Hope for Next Season Despite Struggles
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
To be fair to Adams, it’s understandable why he wouldn’t be excited about the idea of joining Chicago given the team’s rough season. However, the Bears do have some hope looking toward the offseason.
Chicago currently has over $82 million in projected salary cap space for 2025 and nine picks in next year’s draft, including their own first-round pick, which is expected to fall in the top 10. The Bears also own two second-round picks (their own and one from the Carolina Panthers), both likely to land between the mid-30s and early 40s.
The Bears need significant help on the offensive line to support Williams’ development as a professional quarterback. His struggles have been evident, especially when compared to some other rookie quarterbacks who have made considerable progress in 2024.
The Bears will likely hire a new head coach to replace interim coach Thomas Brown. An offensive-minded coach, such as Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, could help revamp the Bears’ faltering offense and aid in Williams’ growth as a quarterback in his second year.
