
#18 QB · Chicago Bears
Height
6'1"
Weight
226 lbs
Age
24
College
USC
Draft
2024, Rd 1, #1
Experience
2 yrs
QB Rank
#26 / 107
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Yards | TD | INT | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 34 | 7,483 | 47 | 13 | 89.0 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 3,942 | 27 | 7 | 90.1 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 3,541 | 20 | 6 | 87.8 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$39.5M
Guaranteed
$39.5M
AAV
$9.9M/yr
The Chicago Bears locked up their franchise quarterback of the future at an exceptional value, making Caleb Williams' rookie deal one of the strongest CVI performers in recent memory. At just $9.9M per year with full guarantee protection, Williams delivers elite financial efficiency for a serviceable starter who's already showing the arm talent and pocket presence that made him the No. 1 overall pick. The four-year timeline perfectly aligns with his developmental curve, giving Chicago a massive competitive advantage while other teams pay $35-50M annually for similar or lesser quarterback production. Williams' fully guaranteed structure eliminates downside risk while the Bears control his prime years at below-market rates, creating enormous salary cap flexibility to build around their young signal-caller. This B- CVI represents exactly the type of foundational contract that transforms franchises — Chicago gets a legitimate starting quarterback with upside at replacement-level pricing, positioning them to compete immediately while maintaining long-term roster flexibility.
Caleb Williams earns a C for the Bears at quarterback, a grade that reflects the turbulent reality of being a franchise quarterback on a rebuilding team. Williams has the arm talent and creativity to make elite throws that few quarterbacks in the league can attempt. But the decision-making has been inconsistent, and he holds the ball too long trying to make something happen instead of taking the easy completion. Chicago's offensive line and supporting cast have not always helped him, but Williams needs to do a better job of managing the game when the big play is not there. The ceiling remains sky-high, and the Bears are banking on everything coming together in year two.
Caleb Williams is experiencing an exceptional surge in public perception as he enters the 2026 season, earning an A+ sentiment grade that reflects the NFL community's growing confidence in the young quarterback's trajectory. The Chicago Bears' aggressive pursuit of premium offensive line protection, including their reported interest in a $42M AAV tackle from Detroit, signals organizational commitment that has resonated strongly with media and fans alike. Ben Johnson's hiring as offensive coordinator has been particularly well-received, with reports suggesting his demanding coaching style is precisely what Williams needs to reach elite status. The fact that rival coaches like Sean McVay are publicly offering guidance and praise demonstrates Williams has earned genuine respect across the league despite his relative inexperience. His improved 88.9 passer rating represents tangible progress that validates the franchise-caliber investment Chicago is making, while early contract extension discussions underscore the organization's belief that they've found their long-term cornerstone. This A+ sentiment reflects not just Williams' on-field development, but the Bears' comprehensive commitment to building a championship-caliber infrastructure around their franchise quarterback.
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Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
C-
2025
(50% weight)
D+
2024
(30% weight)