Bears Second-Year QB Caleb Williams: Can He Turn Chicago Around Fast?

By Deven Swani 10/15/25

Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams

It’s no secret that Chicago has long struggled at quarterback. Promising names such as Jay Cutler, Mitchell Trubisky, and Justin Fields never fully lived up to expectations in the Windy City. To this day, the Bears remain the only franchise without a single 4,000-yard passer in a season. Add to that a 40-year Super Bowl drought, and it’s clear the city is in need of stability under center. Now, hope rests on the shoulders of their improvisational playmaker from USC: second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears selected Williams with the number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and expectations were high from the start. Chicago surrounded him with a promising supporting cast , adding running back D’Andre Swift, tight end Gerald Everett, and standout rookie receiver Rome Odunze, one of the top prospects in the class. Their primary weapon, DJ Moore, was expected to be the key to Williams’s development. The fanbase entered the season optimistic that Chicago might finally be turning the page on its long history of quarterback struggles.

Unfortunately, the Bears’ 2024 season did not go as planned. Head coach Matt Eberflus was fired midway through the season, and the Bears’ offensive line struggled to protect Williams, allowing him to be sacked 68 times . His connection with Moore never fully developed, raising doubts about whether he could be the long-term answer in Chicago. Williams finished with 3,541 yards , 20 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions; a respectable season statistically but not enough to lift the Bears from a 5-12 record and a last-place finish in the NFC North.

2025 brings renewed optimism for Bears fans. The team bolstered its offensive line by signing center Drew Dalman and guard Joe Thuney, two of the league’s highest-rated players at their positions. In the draft, they added tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th pick, giving Williams another weapon to work with. Their defining move, however, was hiring head coach Ben Johnson . Known for his creativity and inventive play-calling in Detroit, Johnson was brought in by GM Ryan Poles to guide Williams’s development and maximize his potential.

The Bears enter the bye week with a 2-2 start to the season. Second-year receiver Rome Odunze has emerged as a key target, developing a strong connection with Williams. Caleb has looked sharp in statement wins over the Cowboys and Raiders, showing poise and playmaking ability.

While challenges remain, the early signs from 2025 suggest that the Bears may finally be building the foundation for sustained success at quarterback. With Caleb Williams developing under a supportive cast and the guidance of coach Ben Johnson, Chicago fans have a reason for optimism. If the team continues to improve, the long search for reliability at the position may be coming to an end.