Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

In a special edition of the podcast, David Haugh offers his thoughts on what Bears general manager Ryan Poles had to say at the NFL owners meetings Monday. Poles spoke about trading quarterback Justin Fields and the team's meeting with USC quarterback Caleb Williams in California. Plus, Dan Wiederer had a conversation with Dan Bernstein and Laurence Holmes on 670 The Score about what he heard from Poles in Orlando. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer answer your Bears questions! Submit future questions to [email protected] or @TakeTheNorthPod on Twitter. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the time the Bears spent with USC quarterback Caleb Williams prior to his pro day Wednesday. It's definitely looking like the two sides are headed for a marriage. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer are getting a grasp of the world the Bears are currently living in. It doesn't seem like the team can do much at all without the attention of the entire NFL turning its way! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear from Bears receiver DJ Moore, who on 670 The Score in Chicago spoke for the first time since Chicago traded quarterback Justin Fields. Moore had been extremely vocal when it came to supporting Fields. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's looking more and more like quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears are marching toward a union. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer have insight on the time that general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus and other Bears leaders spent with Williams prior to his pro day at USC on Wednesday. And, as the team works through this process, we're all getting used a world in which every breath the Bears take is a headline around the NFL! The likely drafting of Williams also brings up a comparison to when Chicago traded for Jay Cutler, who entered a largely established culture and locker room, not unlike the current Bears. What differences are there between Williams and Cutler? Finally, Bears receiver DJ Moore — who had been extremely vocal on his support of quarterback Justin Fields — spoke for the first time since the Bears traded Fields. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear what new Bears receiver Keenan Allen had to say during his first press conference in Chicago about how well he knows USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Also, how telling is it that Allen was at Williams' pro day? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the big show that was USC quarterback Caleb Williams' pro day. Williams once again showed us his easy confidence while also moving through a workout that didn't show us anything we didn't already know. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer have a discussion on what type of expectations we should have for quarterback Caleb Williams if the Bears do draft him at No. 1 overall. Should he be allowed the grace that most rookie quarterbacks get? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The evaluation of USC quarterback Caleb Williams continues. The presumptive top pick in the NFL Draft worked out Wednesday for league executives and coaches, including the Bears brass, at the USC pro day. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer shared their takeaways from the day. How notable was it that new Bears receiver Keenan Allen chose to attend? It also turns out that representatives from the Bears met with Williams prior to the pro day in an effort to better get to know who he is off the field. Additionally in this episode, the guys listen back to a portion of former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long's chat with Wiederer in a previous episode. Long had glowing praise about who he thinks Williams can be for the Bears if they do draft him. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long discuss Chicago's trade of quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh. It was a move that Long believes was best for both Fields and the Bears. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long look back at parts of Long's career in Chicago and dive into how cruel the NFL can be sometimes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long take a look at the Bears' near future, which is likely to include the addition of USC quarterback Caleb Williams in the NFL Draft. Long likes the direction the franchise is headed. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a special edition of Take The North, as former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long joins the pod! Long talks with Dan Wiederer about what he thinks of the Bears moving on from Justin Fields. And is he a believer in Caleb Williams as the likely quarterback replacement? The guys also reflect on Long's NFL career and how cruel the league can be at times — especially when a player is somewhat forced into retirement before he might really be ready. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer explain why the Bears trading Justin Fields and (likely) targeting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft is the right decision for the franchise. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the weak return the Bears received in exchange for trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers. Haugh explains why he isn't concerned about the value the Bears got back. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer share what their initial reaction was when they learned the Bears had traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers — and what they thought of the return. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The move most of us were expecting finally happened. The Bears have traded quarterback Justin Fields. Chicago sent him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer dive into every angle of the decision, from the compensation to the reaction it brought from fans. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer lament having the same conversations about Bears quarterback Justin Fields over and over. Everyone needs a decision to be made so we can move forward! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the Bears trading for six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen. It's a big swing that immediately makes the Bears' wide receiver room a dangerous one. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer have done a bit more homework on what brought some of the Bears' free-agent signings to Chicago, and they bring forth the details. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've been waiting for Bears general manager Ryan Poles to make a big addition, and he delivered! The Bears have traded a fourth-round pick to the Chargers for six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the huge move, which gives the Bears one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL. Meanwhile, we're still waiting on a likely trade of quarterback Justin Fields. Wiederer got messages from a few general managers around the league who explained what the hold-up could be. Regardless, the conversations around Fields are getting exhausting. The guys also share rapid-fire thoughts on the latest players the Bears have signed and what their roles on the team could be. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the continued presence of Justin Fields on the Bears' roster. It's still expected that Fields is moved at some point, but some in the national media have floated the idea of keeping Fields and drafting Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. That's a situation that feels completely untenable. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer don't think it's time to panic as the Bears make mid-level moves during free agency. We would like them to still add in a couple key areas though... To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear from safety Kevin Byard, who spoke to the media for the first time since signing with the Bears. It sounds like his veteran leadership is going to be important for a talented secondary that's still pretty young. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new league year is officially here, and the Bears continue to add new players in free agency. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer examine the players who have been signed so far, including former Rams center Coleman Shelton. It seems like general manager Ryan Poles is being rather tactical with his moves and isn't making a huge splash, which can be risky in free agency. Plus, quarterback Justin Fields remains on the Bears. The assumption around the NFL remains that he'll be traded, but at this point, what can the Bears get for him? They wouldn't seriously consider keeping him on and drafting USC quarterback Caleb Williams, would they? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Mully & Haugh Show, former NFL executive Michael Lombardi discussed why Bears quarterback Justin Fields hasn't been traded yet and why his value isn't what many expected it to be. Do the Bears need to settle for what they can get at this point? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score to discuss Bears quarterback Justin Fields' trade market — or the lack thereof. Why hasn't Fields been traded yet? Is this telling us what the league really thinks of him? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss what Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson shared Monday at his first press conference since signing his four-year contract extension. Johnson admitted he was in therapy last season for sexual addiction. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer look at the Bears' initial additions in free agency. Safety Kevin Byard seems to fill an immediate need, but was running back D'Andre Swift a player the Bears really need? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to the Bears claiming they're now targeting the Chicago lakefront for their new stadium, as they've pledged $2 billion toward a project there. Do we believe them? Or is this all a ploy? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first day of NFL free agency has been a busy one for the Bears — but mostly off the field. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer break it all down. The team did bring in a pair of new players (so far) in running back D'Andre Swift and safety Kevin Byard. What do the guys think of the moves? How many more are still to come? The bigger news is the Bears are now claiming that they're shifting their focus for a new stadium location to Chicago's lakefront, close to where Soldier Field is currently. They're also saying they plan to invest $2 billion in private money. What happened to Arlington Heights? Is this all a ploy to get tax breaks?!? Finally, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson spoke to the media for the first time since signing his lucrative contract extension and offered up some vulnerabilities that we've rarely heard athletes discuss. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Wiederer and producer Adam Studzinski take Bears questions from listeners! Submit future questions to [email protected] or @TakeTheNorthPod on Twitter. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer preview what's coming up next for the Bears as they get to know USC quarterback Caleb Williams more. What are we learning about Williams' personality? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bears traded a fifth-round pick to the Bills for offensive lineman Ryan Bates. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss what role Bates could play for them on the offensive line. Is it possible he's the Bears' starting center in 2024? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer consider possible targets for the Bears in free agency. Haugh loves the idea of bringing in running back Saquon Barkley, but Wiederer disagrees. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, it's been an eventful week for the Bears! David Haugh and Dan Wiederer are here to break it all down for you. What role will offensive lineman Ryan Bates play for the Bears after the team traded a fifth-round pick for him? Could he really be the team's starting center in 2024? Plus, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson had the franchise tag placed on him ... briefly. While recording this episode, the guys find out that Johnson and the Bears reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension! They also look ahead to possible targets for the Bears in free agency and preview the next stops for presumptive No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams in the pre-draft process. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer reflect on when they've seen the Bears experience success and seemingly be set up for success for years to come. It seems like every time that's the case, those teams have fallen flat on their faces. It's something the franchise will need to overcome if it ever wants to reach a level of sustained success. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss Caleb Williams declining to undergo a medical evaluation at the NFL Combine. Instead, he plans to only do medicals for teams that he meets with personally. Could that decision now be affecting the timeline for when the Bears choose to trade Justin Fields, if that's indeed what they want to do? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the personality that we're beginning to see in Caleb Williams. There's little doubt that Williams is both confident and comfortable in his own skin. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror, but the Bears' work evaluating quarterback prospects isn't done yet. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss how Caleb Williams declining medical testing at the combine could have affected the Bears' timeline for trading Justin Fields. Can they give up their current quarterback before they have all the information they need on their potential next quarterback? Also in this episode, the guys dive into how the Bears need to prepare themselves for the circus that could come with drafting a prospect like Williams. Additionally, the team and Jaylon Johnson have yet to agree to a new contract. Does that mean Johnson will be getting the franchise tag, at least temporarily, while the two sides work to finalize a long-term deal? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear what USC quarterback Caleb Williams thought of his visit with Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus at the NFL Combine. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear from expected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, who the guys believe "won" his press conference at the NFL Combine. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss whether drafting Caleb Williams would immediately give the Bears a better passer than Justin Fields. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The presumptive top pick in the NFL Draft took the podium as NFL Combine week wound down. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer go over all that USC quarterback Caleb Williams had to say to the assembled media Friday. Williams would welcome being drafted by Chicago, even pointing out that the Bears are in a better spot than most teams that have owned the No. 1 overall pick. Did the guys think Williams "won" the press conference? What questions still remain for the Bears to answer before deciding whether he's their guy? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the latest rumors about where Bears quarterback Justin Fields could be possibly be traded. Are the Falcons truly the front-runners? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer consider the mental fortitude that Caleb Williams will need to survive as the Bears' starting quarterback. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss USC quarterback Caleb Williams telling ESPN reporter Pete Thamel in a recent article that he'd be excited to join the Bears if they select him at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. That comment refuted rumors that Williams would force a trade away from Chicago. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What the Bears will do with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft is the biggest buzz at the NFL Combine this year. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss the latest they've heard, especially in regards to whether the Bears will keep the pick and select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. We know now, thanks to an article by ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, that Williams would have no issue being picked by the Bears. Then there's Wiederer's article in the Chicago Tribune in which he did his own deep dive on Williams. Also in this episode, the guys ponder the most likely landing spot for quarterback Justin Fields should the Bears choose to trade him. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear what Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told the media about the type of traits he looks for in a quarterback. It really doesn't sound like he's describing Justin Fields. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices