Bears star Caleb Williams named among ‘NFL’s most overrated QBs’

Caleb Williams enjoyed a strong 2025 season and proved that he is the Chicago Bears’ long-term answer at quarterback. He led the team to an 11-6 record, an NFC North crown and reached the Divisional Round.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner showcased his calm demeanor under pressure. He completed 330-of-568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Williams added 77 rushing attempts for 388 yards and three scores. He has his eyes set on proving his doubters wrong again by surpassing his totals in 2025.

However, it won’t be easy as Chicago faces the league’s toughest schedule, including seven primetime games. The good news for the team and its fans is the roster was strengthened in the offseason with key additions to address positional needs.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams listed as 1 of 3 overrated QBs

CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell published his list of the league’s most overrated quarterbacks heading into next season. Williams is one of four he listed and cited his reasons why he believes so, particularly his subpar playoff completions. The Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield round out the list.

“That extreme level of inefficiency in the postseason wasn’t an outlier,” Podell wrote on Tuesday. “He led the NFL in 2025 with 12 games possessing a completion percentage of 60% or lower, and no other quarterback registered a double-digit number of games in that category. … Williams’ potential is tantalizing because he clearly possesses a high ceiling thanks to phenomenal arm talent and mobility. However, the hope and buzz about Williams currently outpace the reality of his latest on-field performance last season.”

The Bears advanced to the Divisional Round after defeating their rivals, the Green Bay Packers, 31-27 in the Wild Card Round. They lost 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Williams registered a 52.2% completion percentage in the two playoff games.

Podell’s piece may fuel Williams to play better next season and show the entire NFL world that he is the real deal. Chicago will open its regular-season slate with a road game against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13.