Stat Proves Caleb Williams Should Already Be Bears’ First 4,000-Yard Passer
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Stat Proves Caleb Williams Should Already Be Bears’ First 4,000-Yard Passer

A new stat shows Caleb Williams lost over 400 yards due to drops, costing him a historic season.

Bryan PerezBryan Perez·

The Chicago Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer. But here is the reality: Caleb Williams already played like one in 2025.

And now there is a stat that proves it.

According to data from Next Gen Stats, Williams lost 404 passing yards due to drops during the 2025 season. That number ranks tied for third-most over the last five years.

Here is the full list:

Justin Herbert (2021) – 436
Josh Allen (2024) – 409
Trevor Lawrence (2021) – 404
Caleb Williams (2025) – 404
Trevor Lawrence (2022) – 397
Tom Brady (2022) – 395

The Difference Between Good and Historic

Caleb Williams Chicago Bears
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

Think about what those 404 lost yards represent. It's not just a stat. That is the difference between a good season and a historic one in Chicago.

If even a portion of those passes are caught, Williams is not flirting with the 4,000-yard mark. He is clearing it. Comfortably.

Williams set a Bears' franchise record with 3,942 yards last year. With all of those lost yards added to that total? Williams would've eclipsed 4,300 passing yards. He would've ranked fourth in the NFL behind Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, and Dak Prescott.

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That is what makes this so significant.

The Real Problem Was Not Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams Chicago Bears
Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images

The Bears still don't have a 4,000-yard passer, but it's because they don't have a 4,000-yard quarterback.

Chicago still doesn't have that 4K passer because of the execution around Williams.

Drops do more than show up on a stat sheet. They stall drives, erase explosive plays, and distort how a quarterback’s season is perceived.

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Williams was creating those opportunities. The offense just didn't consistently finish them.

Why 2026 Changes Everything for the Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams Chicago Bears
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

The Chicago Bears finally have a quarterback capable of making history; in fact, 2026 should've been the first season in franchise history that they aren't chasing 4,000 yards.

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Now, it's about whether the offense around Cale Williams can match his level of play. Because if the drops are cleaned up, even marginally, the result is obvious.

The 4,000-yard barrier is not just within reach. It is inevitable.


Tags:Caleb WilliamsFeatured
Bryan Perez
Bryan PerezStaff Writer at BearsTalk

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