NFL executives and coaches are buying into Caleb Williams' rise

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams earned another significant vote of confidence from around the NFL, tying for 11th overall in The Athletic's annual quarterback tiers survey of 50 league executives and coaches. Williams was placed in Tier 2 alongside Brock Purdy, trailing only established stars such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert. The ranking reflects the growing belief that Williams has already established himself among the NFL's upper-tier quarterbacks after leading the Bears to an 11-win season and a trip to the NFC Divisional Round in 2025. Entering his third NFL season under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears quarterback will have an opportunity to build on that reputation and make a push into Tier 1 with another strong campaign.