The Chicago Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams reportedly will not meet until after USC's March 20 pro day.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported the Bears originally wanted Williams to come to team facilities for his Top 30 visit ahead of this month's pro day, but the two sides worked together to push that date back.

Breer surmised the Bears' willingness to move the visit back signals an increasing comfort with taking Williams with the top pick in April's draft. Chicago's front office has been gathering information on Williams for months as it decides whether to use the top pick and trade Justin Fields or move forward with Fields and trade back.

The Bears had a similar conundrum last year and chose to trade back to the No. 9 pick in a deal with the Carolina Panthers. That trade ultimately landed Chicago the top pick in this year's draft.

The overwhelming odds remain in favor of the Bears keeping the No. 1 pick and finding a suitor for Fields in the coming weeks. We could see a trade within the next week as teams look to solidify their quarterback position ahead of free agency. If Fields isn't traded by the start of the league year March 13, it's likely the Bears will have to wait until the quarterback shuffle of free agency plays out.

Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield and Ryan Tannehill are among the veterans set for free agency.

The Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have been mentioned as logical suitors for Fields, but it's unclear what they would be willing to give up in a trade.

Odds are the market would top out at a second-round pick in this April's draft or a conditional pick in 2025 tied to Fields' performance. Teams will be more than willing to bank on the Bears' lack of leverage to avoid bidding against themselves in this situation.

Williams did not throw at the scouting combine but is expected to participate in USC's pro day. Even if the Bears shift course and trade the pick, he would be the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick.