Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote hear Bears quarterback Caleb Williams explain the ways in which he's still growing as a leader for the team.

The Bears have concluded their mandatory minicamp and now enter the "dark" period of the NFL calendar. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote recap what we learned. What was meaningful from the final day of practice of the camp? Also, quarterback Caleb Williams spoke about how much more comfortable he is with getting teammates in the right place compared to last year. And is he more ready for the type of training camp that head coach Ben Johnson will be running? Finally, will Johnson take any break over the next few weeks?

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss Bears left tackle Braxton Jones, who appears more confident in his play now compared to this time last year.

The second day of Bears minicamp brought high praise from head coach Ben Johnson for defensive end Montez Sweat. Johnson believes Sweat had the best year of his career in 2025. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote respond and also hear from Sweat himself on what Johnson did to get the best out of the team last season. Also in this episode, left tackle Braxton Jones spoke about his view on the position battle he finds himself in (again). Does he feel more himself this year? And how is Johnson seeing quarterback Caleb Williams grow in the offense?

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote discuss the latest on the Bears' stadium project, which is an exhausting story to follow.

We've reached the mandatory minicamp time of the Bears offseason! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring you what they learned at Halas Hall on the first day of the camp. Nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon remains sidelined with some sort of soft-tissue injury. What's the level of concern for him? Also, head coach Ben Johnson had a plenty to say about second-year tight end Colston Loveland. And how is quarterback Caleb Williams doing with improving his ball placement this offseason? Later, we offer the latest on what's happening with the Bears' mess of a stadium project.

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote focus on the offensive line with Audacy NFL insider Brian Baldinger. Who will win the Bears' left tackle competition?

There's been way too much stadium talk recently. It's time for us to talk some actual football! Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote bring in Audacy NFL analyst Brian "Baldy" Baldinger to cover a ton of Bears topics. How long does he think it will take rookie center Logan Jones to take over the starting job? Who could end up winning the left tackle competition? And how exciting is the bond between quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson?

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson is continuing to push the Bears to build a new stadium on the lakefront. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote just don't think it's realistic at this point.

We have clarification about what stadium conversations the city of Chicago was apparently having with the Bears. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to what Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson had to say on the matter. What about this is real and what's just postering? Meanwhile, the actual football team was at work for more practices during OTAs. Receiver Rome Odunze spoke for the first time this offseason. Is his foot 100%? Plus, quarterback Caleb Williams is the cover athlete for the new Madden! And we've got more media penalties during press conferences!

Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote react to the revelation that the Bears at some point apparently re-engaged in talks with the city of Chicago about a lakefront stadium. This apparently took place despite the Bears publicly saying for months that their only options for a stadium location were in Arlington Heights and Hammond, Ind.

Illinois didn't pass legislation before the end of May to entice the Bears to stay in the state. However, we still aren't sure where the Bears intend to build their new stadium. Dan Wiederer and Mark Grote do their best to sift through all the latest. Is there anyone we can trust on this issue?!?