The expectations surrounding Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams have changed considerably entering his third NFL season. Williams is no longer simply viewed as a talented young quarterback with the potential to eventually become one of the NFL's best. He's beginning to be ranked among them.
FanSided ranked Williams as the No. 9 quarterback in the NFL in its latest quarterback rankings, another indication of how quickly his reputation has changed following his breakout 2025 season.
It's also another step forward for Williams in FanSided's rankings. Earlier this offseason, following the 2026 NFL Draft, Williams checked in at No. 10, behind Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and one spot ahead of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
Caleb Williams continues climbing NFL QB rankings
Williams' ascent shouldn't come as much of a surprise after what he accomplished during his second season.
Playing his first year under Bears coach Ben Johnson, Williams threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while helping Chicago finish 11-6 and win the NFC North.
More importantly, Williams helped change the trajectory of a Bears franchise that has spent decades searching for a franchise quarterback.
His rookie season showed flashes of the talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it was his second season that demonstrated what that talent could become when paired with a functional offense and one of the NFL's premier offensive coaches.
Williams has a chance to climb even higher in 2026
Ranking Williams ninth still leaves plenty of room for debate, especially when comparing him with more established quarterbacks around the league. But the larger takeaway for Bears fans should be where the conversation has moved.
A year ago, the question was whether Johnson could unlock Williams' enormous potential. Now, Williams is entering his second season in Johnson's offense as a top-10 quarterback and climbing.
The Bears have never entered a season with Williams' combination of production, talent, and expectations. And if Williams takes another significant step in Year 3, No. 9 might eventually look conservative.
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