Anytime a starting quarterback in the NFL gets more money, it just inches the Chicago Bears closer to the inevitable situation they will find themselves in next offseason.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally gave their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, a three-year contract extension worth $55 million per year. This was much more money than people expected, but it was the last quarterback move before the 2026 season.
No quarterback extensions are expected to be done until next offseason. At that point, the Chicago Bears will be in the conversation about quarterback Caleb Williams.
The clock has started ticking on Bears to extend Caleb Williams
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter pointed out that after the Mayfield contract extension, there are now some young quarterbacks who will be in line for the same thing next offseason. Williams is on that list.
"A plus for the Buccaneers getting Baker Mayfield’s deal done now is the looming reality of what should be a booming QB market next offseason, when Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix all become extension-eligible for the first time."
A plus for the Buccaneers getting Baker Mayfield’s deal done now is the looming reality of what should be a booming QB market next offseason, when Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix all become extension-eligible for the first time. https://t.co/1L97osLkYL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2026
The good news for Bears fans is that there isn't too much of a rush to get something done with Williams' contract. Earlier in the month, Williams spoke about a possible contract extension and not being too concerned about it.
“Money’s not a motivating factor for me in that sense,” he said via the Chicago Sun-Times. “If I wanted to be done today, I’d be fine. If I wanted to be done and go somewhere and disappear for a long time and never come back and y’all would never see me again, I’d be OK. That’s not my motivation.
“Winning, winning, winning handles everything... so that’s where my mind’s at.”
Williams is coming off a great season for the Bears, throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He added another three rushing touchdowns and a receiving score to his stat line, leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and a run to the NFC Divisional Round.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has discussed a Williams contract extension this offseason and said they're prepared for it. Poles understands this contract could be a market-setting deal if Williams has another great season.
Many Bears fans have expressed frustration with how little the team has spent this offseason and the moves they haven't made. Much of that stems from Poles preparing to save up money to pay Williams.
Williams's next contract will be at least a five-year extension. Based on what he's been doing, he should be looking at somewhere over $60 million per year.
Read more: Bears are taking the Braxton Jones gamble they have no choice in making
Mayfield's new deal has only started the clock on the Bears. Even if Williams is not in a rush, the Bears should be, as his price tag is only going to get larger by the year. Watch for next offseason to be the year Williams lands his expensive contract extension with the Bears in a record-breaking way.
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