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The Chicago Bears have made significant moves this offseason, with one clear goal: setting up Caleb Williams for success. Now, the pressure is on the young quarterback to take the next step in his development.
Williams’ Influence on Chicago’s Offseason Strategy
The Bears’ front office made it clear that Williams’ potential played a major role in attracting top talent. Ben Johnson, who accepted the head coaching job in January, cited the opportunity to work with the 23-year-old as a major factor in his decision.
For Grady Jarrett, a veteran defensive tackle who signed with Chicago after a decade with the Atlanta Falcons, Williams’ presence also played a big role.
“Absolutely, without a doubt, especially for a vet like myself,” Jarrett said. “You want to go somewhere that’s got a good quarterback. … That definitely played a factor in me coming here, because I believe that he was the No. 1 pick for a reason, and his best is obviously yet to come, being such a young player.”
Upgrading the Offensive Line
The Bears made protecting Williams a priority after he endured 68 sacks during a 5-12 rookie season, the most in the NFL. Within six days, Chicago revamped the interior of its offensive line by trading for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signing Drew Dalman in free agency.
“Everyone is excited about where Caleb can go,” said Bears general manager Ryan Poles. “We all know that there’s a lot of growth that has to happen to get him to where he needs to be. But that excitement in terms of what he can be obviously helps get other coaches and players excited to be here and work with him and help get him to where he needs to be.”
The additions of Thuney and Jackson, who ranked first and second in pass block win rate among guards last season, aim to give Williams more time in the pocket.
Williams Must Clean Up His Game
While Chicago’s offensive line struggled in 2024, Williams often held the ball too long. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he was sacked 28 times while holding the ball for five or more seconds, the most in the league.
Williams acknowledged his mistakes late in the season, admitting he took “stupid sacks” that could have been avoided.
With the new offensive line in place, the blame for sacks in 2025 will shift more toward Williams’ decision-making and pocket awareness.
Dalman’s Role in Williams’ Growth
Dalman, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal, previously worked with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta and aims to provide similar support for Williams.
“I think the biggest things are your focus can only be on so many things at once, and there are things that his focus needs to be on and they can’t be on anybody else’s plate, and there are things that people can handle,” Dalman said. “So things like the snap count, protection or the run game, the less he has to worry about it and the more we as an O-line can communicate together and diagnose together, the less he has to do it and the more he can focus on the things that are exclusive to him, and so I think that process played out a little bit with Mike and then I imagine it will carry over the same.”
Johnson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need for Williams and Dalman to be on the same page in identifying blitzes and defensive schemes.
No More Excuses in Year Two
A year ago, Williams was hailed as a generational talent entering an ideal situation in Chicago. But poor offensive line play and a lack of depth held him back.
Now, with a revamped line and experienced coaching staff, the Bears have eliminated those excuses. It’s up to Williams to deliver and prove he can be the franchise quarterback Chicago has long been searching for.
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This report used information from ESPN.
