The Chicago Bears have been searching for a true franchise quarterback for decades. Now, with Caleb Williams entering his second season, the buzz around the Bears’ facility feels different. The former No. 1 overall pick showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, and one former Bears quarterback believes Williams is on the verge of something historic.
Rex Grossman, who led the Bears to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006, recently shared his thoughts on Williams’ potential and he didn’t hold back.
Rex Grossman Says Caleb Williams Has Rare Talent That Cannot Be Taught
In an interview with “Card Player,” Grossman praised Williams’ ability to create outside of structure, something he admits he never had in his own game.
“A lot of people can’t [succeed out of structure], so he’s got something a lot of people can’t do,” Grossman said. “I sure as hell couldn’t do it. I was pretty much stuck in the pocket and I had to.”
Grossman emphasized that while Williams’ improvisational skills are elite, the next step in his development will be learning when to rein it in.
“He’s kind of got to force himself to resist the urge of rolling out when he doesn’t need to, or taking unnecessary sacks,” Grossman said. “If you keep to schedule, meaning you keep your third downs manageable, it makes it a lot easier.”
That balance, between creativity and discipline, could be the key to unlocking a record-breaking season in Chicago.
Grossman Predicts Williams Will Break Chicago Bears’ Single-Season Passing Record
The Bears have shockingly never had a quarterback throw for more than 4,000 yards in a single season. In a league where 5,000-yard seasons are starting to become more common, Chicago’s passing record remains one of the most modest in the NFL.
Grossman believes that’s about to change.
“I think they will have a balanced offense and he’ll be around 4,200 or 4,300 yards this year,” he said.
That would not only shatter the franchise record, but it would also signal a new era of offensive identity in Chicago.
Grossman pointed out that during his own Super Bowl run, the Bears leaned heavily on the run game and defense.
“We were ahead in a lot of games and didn’t throw the ball a lot,” Grossman said. “That really wasn’t our identity. We were more play-action pass, run the ball and quick passes. I did have some big games but the priority of that season wasn’t to put up stats.”
Caleb Williams backed by Rex Grossman to shatter Chicago Bears record in upcoming NFL season https://t.co/0beStV8q0L
— M Sports (@MSports_all) June 27, 2025
Williams, on the other hand, is stepping into a system that’s expected to be far more aggressive through the air.
Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions as a rookie, starting all 17 games. With a full offseason under his belt and a stronger supporting cast, including a revamped offensive line and new weapons at wide receiver, Williams is in position to take a major leap.
The Bears’ coaching staff has also made it clear they’re building the offense around Williams’ strengths. That means more designed rollouts, quicker reads, and opportunities to push the ball downfield.
If he stays healthy and continues to grow within the system, then Grossman’s prediction might not be bold at all; it might be inevitable.
For a franchise that’s long been defined by defense, Williams could finally be the quarterback who rewrites the narrative.
