In this episode of Saturday vs Sunday, John Barban dives deep into one of the most polarizing NFL draft stories of the year: Caleb Williams and his father allegedly trying to avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears. Fueled by reporting from ESPN and Seth Wickersham’s new biography American Kings, the story pulls back the curtain on what may be a growing trend—NIL-era quarterbacks acting like free agents before their first NFL snap.John lays out both sides of the argument. On one hand, Caleb’s father, Carl Williams, may have had a point—Chicago’s track record with quarterbacks is historically dismal. The team has never had a 4,000-yard passer, despite decades of draft picks, coaching changes, and front office overhauls. The idea that quarterbacks “go to die” in Chicago isn’t entirely unfounded. With comparisons to past draft drama like Eli Manning and John Elway, there’s precedent for manipulating the system if you feel a franchise is beyond repair.But on the other side, John doesn’t hold back. He argues that this situation reeks of entitlement, with Caleb’s father reportedly calling the NFL rookie pay scale “a piece of shit” and even pushing for an equity deal—a demand so absurd it borders on satire. John breaks down how this is part of a broader concern: the emergence of highly-paid, highly-hyped NIL-era players who come into the NFL with a me-first, team-second mentality. These players, already millionaires before the draft, are now trying to shape the terms of their entry into the league like CEOs, not rookies.John also questions how much of this is Caleb’s doing versus Carl Williams’ influence. The episode explores the troubling rise of “dad-agents” who view their sons as investment vehicles and meddle in negotiations, meetings, and media narratives. The whole episode raises a larger question: Is this the new normal? And if so, what happens to NFL parity and the structure of the draft system as NIL millionaires start showing up expecting to skip the bad teams?Whether you’re team “he’s protecting his career” or team “spoiled brat energy,” this episode has something for you. John pulls no punches but offers a balanced look at how NIL, college free agency, and inflated self-worth may be shaping the NFL in unexpected ways.Let us know in the comments—is this smart business or a red flag?

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