Caleb Williams Sends 3-Word Message on History-Making Bears Teammate

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams has given Chicago Bears fans hope amid a tumultuous season.

He has broken franchise records for rookies and will take down ample veteran records during his tenure, so long as the Bears provide him with a proper supporting cast. Questions about whether or not they have done that this season are rampant as their season unravels.

However, one player the Bears added who stood out as a Williams-centric decision is veteran wide receiver and pending free agent Keenan Allen.

Bears’ Caleb Williams Sends 3-Word Message on Keenan Allen

Caleb Williams’ Chemistry With Keenan Allen in Bears Offense Growing

Allen got off to a slow start this season, but he has come on of late. He crossed two career landmarks in Week 14, surpassing 11,000 receiving yards and becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 950 receptions.

Williams sent a fitting message about Allen on Instagram on December 8, saying the wideout is, “Forever a Legend.”

Allen has caught 47 passes for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns through 13 games.

A Pro Bowler in 2023 for the sixth time in his career, Allen is tracking to finish with career-lows in receiving yards, receptions, and catch rate all on a per-game basis. The last time he posted numbers setting his current lows, Allen was a first or second-year player.

The good news: after posting a 21-197-2 line from Weeks 1 through 9, missing two games with a foot injury, Allen has caught 26 balls for 274 yards and 3 scores in Weeks 10 through 14.

Keenan Allen’s Slow Start With Bears Should Have Been Expected

Allen and Williams had a pre-existing relationship before either were Bears, connecting “about a year” before the veteran – donned in Bears attire following his trade to Chicago less than a week prior – attended the rookie’s pro day in March.

In April, they trained with DJ Moore and Williams’ fellow rookie first-round pick Rome Odunze.

And yet, perhaps Allen’s slow start to the season – his injury notwithstanding – probably should have been expected from the receiver’s story about bonding with Williams.

“I’m not a guy who masters the playbook by any means,” Allen told reporters in August. “Sitting at home just looking at the playbook, that’s not how I learn it. I’m a trial-and-error guy. I learn through mistakes.

“Just being able to sit there with him, he call out the play, I draw it up, vice versa while we’re sitting there watching the NBA playoffs, and just being able to go through it with him, we talk about the play what I like what I’m used to, what I used to see, and then just going over the knowledge. Making sure, like I said, we’re on the same page and just being able to communicate at this level.”

We heard all about the complications Waldron’s offense and even of players worrying it was stunting Williams.

Imagine how much more complicated that process became knowing that a key veteran and top target like Allen was also still learning such a complex scheme.

Keenan Allen’s Future a Source of Intrigue

Allen’s bond with Williams since joining the Bears is key. The former is in the final year of a four-year, $80.1 million contract, and he changed agents before the season. The Los Angeles Chargers approached Allen about a pay cut.

Allen declined, leading to his trade to Chicago during the 2024 offseason. He initially downplayed his contract situation saying he was focused on the season.

Well, the season has gone beyond awry from Allen’s production to the coaching and potential front-office turmoil.

However, Moore – who signed a historic four-year, $110 million extension in July – has publicly pushed for Allen to receive one. Moore was among the Bears players who reacted excitedly when the organization acquired Allen. And Allen said last week he was open to returning.

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Whether or not that is a smart decision by the Bears is debatable.

Allen needs a new contract, turns 33 in April, and has missed at least one game in all but three seasons during his 12-year career.

He is also still close with Williams, has formed a connection with Moore, and was one of the voices that led to changes at offensive coordinator. Of course, the Bears’ next overhaul could certainly see the roster skew even younger for a more organic approach.

Odunze is in place to bookend Moore in two-receiver formations.

The Bears still have 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott. As a rookie, he flashed a potentially useful skill set on short and long routes before being unused this season. The 2025 NFL Draft offers another opportunity to find more playmakers.