Overview
- The Athletic’s QB tiers, published Aug. 4, moved Williams from No. 23 last year to a tie for No. 11 in Tier 2, marking one of the largest year‑over‑year gains in the list.
- Williams’ rise follows a breakout 2025 in which he threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions and led the Chicago Bears to the NFC North title and their first playoff win since 2010.
- His reputation was built on late‑game playmaking, including seven fourth‑quarter or overtime game‑winning drives and a 14‑yard touchdown to Cole Kmet that forced overtime in the Divisional Round vs. the Rams.
- Unnamed NFL coaches and executives quoted in The Athletic called him “special” and “fearless,” and a recent Bears training‑camp clip showed clear improvement in routine accuracy after last year’s widely shared misses.
- Despite the jump, Williams still ranks behind NFC North peers Jared Goff and Jordan Love, and evaluators say continued accuracy and another season of high‑level wins would be the clearest path to Tier 1 and bigger expectations for the Bears.