Former NFL GM Sees Similarities Between Caleb Williams and Cam Ward

Mike Mayock believes the Titans can help Ward reach his potential like the Bears did with Williams.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Former NFL general manager Mike Mayock sees a lot of similarities between Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward after their rookie seasons. Mayock believes that if the Titans can build an offensive system that fits Ward's skill set and add talented playmakers around him, he could have a breakout season in 2026 just like Williams did with the Bears in 2025.

Why it matters

The Titans have the most available salary cap space heading into free agency and prime draft capital, so they should be able to add the necessary weapons to help Ward and new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll build an offense that can take the team to the next level in 2026.

The details

Mayock, a former general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, made the comparison between Ward and Williams while speaking at Radio Row during Super Bowl week. He believes that if the Titans can protect Ward, allow him to play action and get on the move, he could have a similar breakout season to Williams, who led the Bears to the playoffs in 2025 after a strong rookie campaign.

  • Mayock made the comments about Ward and Williams during Super Bowl week in 2026.

The players

Mike Mayock

A former general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders and current talent evaluator.

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' starting quarterback, who had a breakout season in 2025 as a rookie.

Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans' starting quarterback, who had a promising rookie season in 2025.

Brian Daboll

The Tennessee Titans' new offensive coordinator, who will be tasked with building an offense that fits Ward's skill set.

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What they’re saying

“I saw a lot of Caleb Williams in what I saw of Cam Ward this year, in Year 1. Caleb Williams, Year 1. I think if he gets in a system with an infrastructure that protects him, where they can run the ball, they can play some defense, play action, get him on the move a little bit, get the most out of him where the fit is right.”

— Mike Mayock, Former NFL General Manager (Titans Wire)

What’s next

The Titans will need to focus on building an offensive system that maximizes Cam Ward's strengths and add talented playmakers around him during the upcoming free agency period and NFL Draft.

The takeaway

This comparison between Cam Ward and Caleb Williams highlights the importance of putting young quarterbacks in the right system and surrounding them with the necessary talent to succeed in the NFL. The Titans have the resources to do this for Ward, and if they can, he could follow a similar path to the breakout season Williams had with the Bears.