GM Ryan Poles reveals Bears' strategic plan for Caleb Williams' continued development, focusing on efficiency and leadership to build on his record-breaking season.
Year two of the Caleb Williams era at quarterback was exciting to watch for fans of the Chicago Bears.
Williams set new career highs in passing yards (3,942) and touchdowns (27) in the first year of Ben Johnson's tenure in Chicago. He even set a new record for single-season passing yards, surpassing Erik Kramer's 1995 numbers.
He took many significant steps towards improving as a quarterback in 2025. However, he still has a lot to learn. Williams struggled at times this season, especially in the two playoff games that the Bears had.
Williams threw for 618 passing yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in the postseason. He made some big-time plays when the team needed them, but the turnovers were a concern.
That throw on the fourth down against the Green Bay Packers, and the touchdown pass to Cole Kmet versus the Los Angeles Rams, were nothing short of amazing.
General Manager Ryan Poles took Williams No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it's safe to say that his investment is paying off. Poles discussed the next steps in Williams' development during a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
He believes the biggest things for Williams will be becoming more efficient and not being afraid to take the small stuff when throwing on the run in 2026. Poles also believes that Johnson will challenge Williams to become a more vocal leader.
"I think coaches are gonna challenge him to be more efficient," Poles said. "Not only with the operation, but just completions, and I think when you have special playmaking traits, and you lean onto that mobility and escapability, I think sometimes you don't take just the easy throw. So, taking what's given to you and just moving on to the next down and staying ahead of the chains, and just being more efficient overall. I think that's what he's gonna challenge him on doing as well as becoming a leader and a bit more vocal."
The completion numbers did drop for Williams compared to his rookie season. The quarterback had a completion percentage of 62.5% as a rookie, compared to 58.1% in 2025.
After an 11-6 finish in the regular season and a claim to the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Bears reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The only way from here is up for the franchise, and with a quarterback like Williams at the helm, fans have to feel good about the state of the organization.