The Chicago Bears have been busy this offseason as they look to add more talent around young franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
During the 2024 NFL season, the offensive line was a major issue. Williams was under pressure far too often. Ryan Poles and the Bears wasted no time this offseason fixing that problem.
Chicago pulled off two trades to improve the line, acquiring Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. Both players will help keep Williams upright and give him more time to make plays with the football.
However, the pressure is now on Williams to prove that he can be the leader of the franchise.
NFL legend Keyshawn Johnson spoke out during a segment of FS1's "Speak" and shared that he thinks Williams is facing "real pressure" heading into the 2025 season.
"But the pressure now is real pressure on Caleb. The reason it's real pressure on Caleb is because you look at first-timehead coach, you got a new system that's coming into play. That head coach is going to want you to do some of the same things Jared Goff has been able to do within his system," Johnson said.
He continued on explaining more about the pressure that Williams is facing.
"Year two, they're going to start looking for you to do some things. Year three, they want you to take a major leap," Johnson said. "If you ain't taking that leap in year three, they're going to be looking at whoever's getting drafted in 2027 NFL draft. They'll start looking at them and going, 'I really like the way that guy throws that football.' And now you start looking at them not picking up your fifth-year option, you being on the move. So there's a lot of pressure on Caleb. It really is."
.@Keyshawn: Caleb Williams is under real pressure.#DaBears#Chicago#CalebWilliamspic.twitter.com/N9b0jssSgW
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) March 21, 2025
Johnson made some great points. Williams truly does need to take a step forward in 2025.
Williams is coming off of a solid 2024 rookie year. He completed 62.5% of his pass attempts for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also picked up 489 yards on the ground.
With an improved roster around him, the 23-year-old quarterback will need to prove he can take another step next season.
Related: Bears Predicted to Land 'Tremendous' Dynamic Weapon for Caleb Williams
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 6:00 AM.