Caleb Williams enters his second season with the Chicago Bears under a spotlight that has intensified after a rocky rookie campaign. Last year’s turbulence culminated in the team parting ways with head coach Matt Eberflus, and now, the hopes and expectations for 2025 ride squarely on Williams’ shoulders. The narrative has shifted dramatically; he’s not just looking to improve, but he’s being tasked with proving that he can thrive amidst the upheaval.
Adding to the pressure, an excerpt from Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book has unveiled Williams’ mixed feelings about being drafted by the Bears. This revelation has ramped up scrutiny of his situation. With so much at stake, Williams must navigate the season with a sense of urgency. If things don’t pan out, we could see him traded after the season—a scenario that has quickly moved from mere speculation to a real possibility.
The Bears have turned over a new leaf with Ben Johnson stepping in as the head coach. However, Johnson didn’t draft Williams and doesn’t carry any previous connection to him, which raises questions about how strongly the new regime will be committed to him if he falters. As the 2026 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, a deep class of quarterback prospects—including names like Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik—could tempt Johnson to chart a new course if Williams doesn’t meet expectations.
Moreover, Wickersham’s book reveals some additional backstory that puts Williams in even more of a bind. It details discussions between him and his father leading up to the 2024 draft, with strategies on how to avoid landing in Chicago. In a notable quote, Williams’ father famously declared, “Chicago is the place where quarterbacks go to die.” This sentiment illustrates that Williams’ heart may not have been fully in joining the Bears from the get-go, with a preference for teams like the Minnesota Vikings.
This backdrop complicates Williams’ journey: if he struggles this season, it will be all too easy for the organization to link his on-field performance to his initial reservations. The recent additions to the roster, including standout prospects like Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, alongside veterans secured through trades, have seemingly set the stage for a stronger offense. With this caliber of support, Williams will have little room to excuse subpar play.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the expectations are clear. Fans are eager to see whether Williams can turn the narrative around and prove that he is indeed the franchise quarterback the Bears envisioned. If he can harness the pressure and channel it into growth, we might witness a transformation. But if not, the future could pivot quickly, and that future might not include Williams in a Bears uniform.
