The debate over Caleb Williams and Drake Maye isn't going away anytime soon. But if a new survey of NFL decision-makers is any indication, the Chicago Bears have plenty of reasons to feel good about their franchise quarterback.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer surveyed 17 NFL executives and coaches ahead of last Thursday's Bears-Patriots game, asking which quarterback they'd prefer to build a franchise around.
The results weren't close.
Williams received 12 votes. Maye received five.
Sure, it's an endorsement of Williams. And maybe it took longer than many expected for him to take the undisputed top spot in the 2024 QB class. But Bears fans knew we'd get here all along.
Why NFL decision-makers prefer Caleb Williams
Breer's survey included six general managers, five offensive coordinators, four assistant general managers, one vice president of player personnel, and one passing game coordinator.
Those who preferred Williams pointed to his upside, creativity, and ability to deliver in the clutch.
"You call a perfect D," an assistant GM told Breer, "and still get beat, just like Josh [Allen] and [Patrick] Mahomes."
Another offensive coordinator was even more emphatic, telling Breer that Williams has greater ability than Maye, continues improving, and gives his team a chance to win every game.
Maye still has supporters around the NFL
The survey wasn't entirely one-sided. Those who selected Maye praised his personality, consistency, and ability to operate within the structure of an offense.
One offensive coordinator suggested Maye has the edge when it comes to working through progressions from the pocket.
I'm not so sure I agree with that, however. It feels like an outdated assessment of Williams' game.
But Williams earning more than twice as many votes suggests NFL evaluators see something special in his long-term potential.
Thursday's game only strengthened the conversation
Williams and Maye delivered impressive performances in Chicago's 30-24 Week 7 win over New England.
Williams completed 22 of 33 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while Maye finished 24 of 31 for 321 yards and two scores, along with an interception. It's a rivalry in its early stages, and it could eventually see Williams and Maye squaring off in a Super Bowl.
Most of the execs Breer surveyed considered Williams and Maye the two best quarterbacks to emerge from the 2021 through 2026 draft classes. Maye already has one Super Bowl appearance on his resume. It feels inevitable that Williams one day will, too.
The Bears spent decades searching for a quarterback who could become one of the league's elite. Now, NFL decision-makers are treating Williams like someone who belongs in that conversation.
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