In recent months, Bears officials have repeatedly emphasized that their focus is on Hammond, Indiana, where they have been conducting feasibility studies on two potential sites. One of those locations has already been deemed viable. But Goodell's remarks this week suggest the possibility of an Illinois option remains alive.
The commissioner spoke during the NFL owners meeting in Atlanta, where he said, "We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity, as well as Indiana, to put their best foot forward."
The Bears own 326 acres in Arlington Heights, the former site of Arlington International Racecourse.
Goodell confirmed he has been in recent contact with Illinois lawmakers about the team's future.
"I'm involved in a lot of stadium efforts. It's not unusual for me to be involved in conversations with either public officials or others, or our staff. They're important decisions not just for the communities or the team, but the NFL," he said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also acknowledged speaking with Goodell.
"It's been my job all along here to make sure that we have the best opportunity to keep the bears in the state of Illinois, however that can come about, and making sure that legislators are in discussion with the commissioner and most importantly with the Bears themselves," Pritzker said.
The latest developments have energized supporters of an Arlington Heights stadium.
"We've heard nothing but Hammond from the Bears over the past several months, but I think Roger Goodell's comments make clear that the NFL knows that the most viable location is in Arlington Heights. I don't see any reason he'd be talking to Illinois legislators unless the NFL's preference was to get the Bears here," said Ernie Rose of Touchdown Arlington.
Goodell said the next steps rest with the team.
"There's no specific timetable from my standpoint, other than we know that they are looking at the alternative of Indiana or Arlington Heights," he said.
Illinois state Sen. Bill Cunningham, a lead negotiator with the Bears, said conversations with the team and the NFL have continued throughout the summer. He described them as constructive but said they have not yet produced anything substantive.