5 Best Quarterbacks in Chicago Bears History

The narratives around Williams are something to behold currently, as some Bears fans already consider him the greatest Bears QB of all time, while national media seems to still think he has a lot to prove.

Williams showcased his dual-threat ability in his rookie 2024 season, becoming the only first-year player in NFL history to pass for at least 3,500 yards, throw 20 touchdowns, and rush for over 400 yards.

He took his game up a notch in 2025, leading the Bears to their first division title since 2018 and finally flipping the script on the Bears-Packers rivalry in an all-time overtime win. In his sophomore year, he reduced his turnovers, vastly improved his efficiency, and cut down on sacks.

Still, plenty needs to happen for Williams to be vaulted to the top two in Bears history. He needs to remain healthy (a setback for fellow 2024 first-rounder Jayden Daniels in Washington), the Bears need to slide him a blank check for his second contract, and he needs to make a Super Bowl to fully cement his legacy. Easy enough, right?

3. Jay Cutler (2009-2016)

Cutler left a divisive legacy in Chicago when he retired in 2017, one marked equally by team success as turnovers and general chaos. He still holds the franchise record for passing yards by quite a bit, with his 23,443 yards nearly 9,000 ahead of the next closest Bears quarterback.

However, Cutler's gunslinger style made him prone to interceptions, as many a Bears fan can tell you. Much of the drawbacks to Cutler's career also came from the lack of a supporting cast, with inconsistencies in the offensive line leading to a lot of heavy pressures on him.

The 2010 season was his peak, and one can wonder whether the Bears would have made it to the 2011 Super Bowl had Cutler not gotten hurt in the NFC Championship. For that, he certainly belongs on this list.

2. Jim McMahon (1982-1988)

McMahon remains ahead of Williams simply because of his place as the man behind the snap for the 1985 Bears, who were the best team in franchise history and one of the best in NFL history.

While that team was steeled by Buddy Ryan and the "46 defense," McMahon's right arm was much of the reason the Bears outscored opponents 91-10 in the postseason, including shutouts of the Giants (21-0) and the Rams (24-0) before tromping on the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Despite being a flashy fashion presence off the field, McMahon also played through several difficult injuries, including lacerated kidneys and broken ribs, and became a local legend in Chicago.

1. Sid Luckman (1939-1950)

In terms of playoff success, there's no one in Bears history that may ever approach Luckman, who was the first successful modern T-formation quarterback in the NFL.

Luckman's adeptness with motion plays and play actions baffled defenses, and Luckman was as much a titan of his time as he is a pioneer for the way the game is played today.

Playing under legendary coach George Halas, Luckman won four titles with the Bears, in 1940, 1941, 1943, and 1946.

His 1943 season in particular was one of the greatest in NFL history, including a game where he threw a (now-tied) record seven touchdowns, and set NFL records for passing yards and touchdown passes.

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