Building a Fortress: How the Bears’ Offseason Moves Could Unlock Caleb Williams’ True Potential

All Stats and Grades from Pro Football Focus

First overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams was supposed to be a star when he entered the league. After being outshined in his rookie season by Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, the Bears looked to improve this offseason. GM Ryan Poles had two main priorities this offseason, find a new coach and protect Caleb Williams. Williams had plenty of receiver help this season with DJ Moore having 96 receptions for 966 yards, aging star Keenan Allen having 70 receptions for 744 yards, and rookie first rounder Rome Odunze having 54 receptions for 734 yards. Where he struggled the most was under pressure.

The Bears brought in Lions OC, Ben Johnson, as their new head coach. The Lions were second in offensive efficiency and scored the third most points in the league. The Bears opened this offseason trading for Jonah Jackson for a 6th round pick from the Los Angeles Rams. Jackson gave up 0 sacks and 7 hurries in his 5 games played in 2025. Next, the bears traded for 4x Super Bowl Champion and 2x First Team All Pro, Joe Thuney, for a 4th round pick, which is huge for protecting Caleb Williams. Thuney started at both guard and tackle, allowing only 2 sacks in 20 games played for the Chiefs in 2024. Another move was signing center Drew Dalman to a 3-year $42 million contract. Dalman allowed 2 sacks and 7 hurries in his 2 games played in 2024.

These moves were crucial in Caleb Williams’ development since he is significantly better when he has time in the pocket. Williams had a 74.8 grade, 68.8 completion % while throwing for over 2,700 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions while having a clean pocket. While under pressure, Williams had a 52.1 grade with a 44.1 completion % while throwing for 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. While at USC in 2023, it was very similar with him having a 94.3 grade while throwing for 2,908 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 1 int while in a clean pocket. When under pressure, he had a 41.4 grade throwing only 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

Although guards, Dalman and Jackson are risky players due to injury this past season, they will be good competition for guards Matt Pryor and Teven Jackson, and the Center Coleman Shelton. The three players gave up a combined 14 sacks and 49 hurries in 2024. The Bears were able to get All-Pro, Joe Thuney, at a great value only giving up a 4th rounder to get him. Thuney will be a staple for this offensive line and will be able to help struggling young tackles, Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones.

Overall, Williams will be primed for a great year with offensive weapons around him at receiver and offensive line, which will help him reach his true potential. If he can stay protected, don’t be surprised if Bears receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze have 1,000-yard seasons and Williams looks like a star in his sophomore season. With the help of Ben Johnson, this should be a potent offense in 2025 and a prime team to be contenders shortly.