Former Bears Star Blasts Caleb Williams' Struggles

Retired linebacker calls out the Bears' top draft pick for failing to live up to expectations.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:26am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green, conveying the conceptual idea of a struggling NFL player under intense scrutiny.A former Bears star's scathing critique of the team's struggling first-round quarterback pick exposes the high stakes and pressure of the NFL draft.Chicago Today

A former star linebacker for the Chicago Bears has strongly criticized the team's 2024 first-round draft pick, Caleb Williams, for his disappointing performance in his first two NFL seasons. The retired player, who spoke anonymously, said Williams has not shown the talent or leadership expected of a No. 1 overall selection.

Why it matters

The Bears invested heavily in Williams, believing he could be the franchise quarterback to lead them back to the playoffs. His struggles have been a major setback for the team, which is still searching for stability at the most important position on the field.

The details

According to the anonymous former Bears player, Williams has struggled with decision-making, accuracy, and reading defenses in his first two years in the league. The retired linebacker said Williams has not displayed the same level of poise and playmaking ability that made him a Heisman Trophy winner at the college level.

  • Williams was selected by the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • He is currently entering his third season with the team.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' first-round draft pick in 2024, who was expected to be the team's franchise quarterback but has struggled in his first two NFL seasons.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, hoping he would be the solution to their long-standing quarterback issues.

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What they’re saying

“Caleb just hasn't shown the same talent and leadership we saw in college. He's made a lot of poor decisions and hasn't been able to elevate the team the way a No. 1 pick should.”

— Anonymous, Former Bears Linebacker

What’s next

The Bears will need to decide whether to stick with Williams as their starting quarterback or explore other options in the upcoming offseason.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges of transitioning from college stardom to NFL success, and the pressure on teams to get their first-round quarterback picks right. The Bears' investment in Williams has not paid off so far, raising questions about his long-term future with the franchise.