Caleb Williams earns unique label ahead of 2025 NFL season

"The No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft, Williams was regarded as a can’t-miss prospect," The Athletic's Mike Jones wrote. "But after a tumultuous rookie campaign (head coach firing, three different play callers, a league-high 68 sacks), Williams has questions surrounding him. Chicago GM Ryan Poles upgraded the offensive line and hired the brightest offensive mind on the market in new head coach Ben Johnson. But Williams has had a rocky training camp and preseason while learning a new system. Can he settle in and live up to the hype? For now, Johnson and the Bears would like it if Williams could simply serve as a solid game manager and worry about the rest later."

The narrative around Williams has been oddly negative, dating back to his time as a draft prospect. Yet, he's consistently proven the ability to rise above the noise.

Williams' rookie season was bizarre. He had a strong year, especially by Bears standards. But if you scan through football media, you'd think he was a disaster. He threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. It was the fifth-most passing yards in team history. And he broke the NFL record for the most consecutive passes by a rookie without an interception.

Yet, here we are.

Indeed, Caleb Williams must prove he can fit into Ben Johnson's system. He must prove that he can throw for 4,000 yards with his high-power skill group and that he can avoid unnecessary sacks behind a revamped offensive line.

So, sure, there's intrigue around Williams' 2025 season. But don't get it twisted: Williams isn't inching toward a crossroads with the Bears. Instead, the narrative should simply be that he's Chicago's most important player entering his second pro season. That's it.