The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest
question facing them this year.
We've reached the end of the series and it should come as no surprise to see quarterback Caleb Williams at the top spot. Williams showed last year he's capable of taking the Bears to new heights and the table is set for him to become an elite signal caller in the league.
Background
Position: Quarterback
Age: 24
Experience: 3rd season
2026 cap hit: $10.7 million
2025 recap
Williams' rookie season was tumultuous to say the least, from catastrophic collapses to multiple coaching changes. Fortunately, the No. 1 overall pick had a clean slate with head coach Ben Johnson's arrival with the hope that the two could mesh well enough to unlock Williams' potential. It looks like they're a match made in heaven. Williams had a breakout season, setting the franchise single-season passing record with 3,941 yards while throwing 27 touchdowns and just seven picks. He also became one of the most clutch players in the NFL, orchestrating six fourth-quarter comeback wins in the regular season. Williams officially became known as the "Iceman" and was the catalyst in the Bears' success last season. Through the regular season and the playoffs, Williams put the team on his back with jaw-dropping throws and impressive escapability, each play more amazing than the last. Williams' 2025 season was the best a Bears quarterback has ever had, and he looks to be just getting started.
Importance in 2026
There's no debating Williams' importance to the team in 2026. The quarterback is always the most important player on any NFL team, but Williams proved just how vital he is to the organization with his performance last year. He's as durable as they come, never even missing a practice, let alone a game (knock on wood), and can quite literally make any throw on the football field. And the excitement going into 2026 is palpable as he continues to build chemistry with his coaches and teammates while playing in the same system for two years in a row. The Bears will go as far as Williams takes them, which should result in a deep playoff run if he can build off his success.
Big question: Will Williams become an elite quarterback?
How nice is it to have a question about a Bears quarterback that isn't centered around him hopefully being the franchise player the team has been searching for? That question was answered last year, and Williams has played himself into the top-10 conversation this offseason. Now, can he climb even higher and become one of the truly elite passers in the league? With a strong offensive line, a formidable rushing attack, two budding wide receivers, a unicorn at tight end, and a psycho mastermind coaching him, Williams has everything he needs to ascend to that level. More importantly, however, is his attitude and tenacity to be great. If Williams can improve his completion percentage while not sacrificing the attributes that make him as lethal as he is, he will be in the MVP conversation and officially enter into the pantheon of elite passers.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Caleb Williams (No. 1)
