Bears-Panthers Caleb Williams trade gets Ben Johnson take

Imagn Images

Bears-Panthers Caleb Williams trade gets Ben Johnson take

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 9:41 PM ET

In 2023, the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers made a trade that would forever change the course of both franchise’s history. Now facing off in Week 1, each organization can see where they stand.

The Bears dealt their No. 1 overall pick to the Panthers so they could select quarterback Bryce Young. In turn, Chicago received wide receiver DJ Moore and a bevvy of draft picks. Eventually, those picks would turn into players like Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright and Tyrique Stevenson.

Both Carolina and Chicago made the playoffs in 2025, meaning their both on the right track. One game won’t determine their final outcome. But with both franchise looking to prove they’re legit, Week 1 will feature a fierce battle.

While head coach Ben Johnson wasn’t with Chicago for the trade, he has now seen the fruits of it. Still, he is remaining modest on the Bears’ return.

Ben Johnson’s take on Bears-Panthers trade

Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) holds the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Johnson was quick to call Panthers quarterback an, “ascending,” quarterback in the league. If the Bears and Panthers are happy with their foundation, the head coach sees the deal as a win-win, via his Tuesday press conference.

“Having Caleb in the building is a huge thing with where we are and where we’re going. We were able to acquire a lot of draft picks as well,” Johnson said. “I think we’ve got a solid foundation. I think they’re looking at it like Carolina has a good foundation as well. Both teams feel pretty good about the outcome and where we’re headed.”

Williams is the center piece of everything Chicago is building. Without him, it’s fair to wonder if they’d be in the position they’d be in. Furthermore, Wright has become a staple at right tackle while Stevenson has solidified his spot next to Jaylon Johnson at cornerback. Of course, the Bears still had to make those picks. But the fact they were at their disposal will be the most important part of history.

In Week 1, both the Bears and Panthers will show how far their foundations have come. Perhaps the winner will be deemed the trade victor as well.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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