While this offseason is going to be all about creating cap space to make some big moves in free agency and trades, the Chicago Bears also have to keep some other things in mind.
Trade rumors have already begun involving quarterback Tyson Bagent, wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, which could save the team millions and help add more draft picks. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has spent his NFL Combine prepping everyone for the idea that Chicago will be very active in the offseason, but also acknowledged a potential Caleb Williams situation that everyone should keep in mind.
“I hope eventually to have a quarterback situation, too, where we’ve got to pay a young quarterback,” Poles said via the Chicago Sun-Times' Jason Lieser. “We’re getting closer and closer to clarity on that side of things.”
Ryan Poles might be prepping for a Caleb Williams massive contract extension
Williams is coming off a sophomore year where he made major strides as the starting quarterback. He finished with a franchise-record 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns to seven interceptions while also leading the team to the playoffs with an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North and beating the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card.
One thing that could hold Poles back from doing that at the moment is the accuracy. Poles has stated that Williams needs to develop further and wants to see how he does over the next season or two to make the strides needed.
As of the beginning of the 2026 offseason, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, with his contract averaging $60 million per year. Williams could very well be in line to hit close to those numbers with 11 quarterbacks in the NFL having $50 million per year or more on their contracts.
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It's obviously too soon to talk contract extension with Williams, but some of what happens this offseason could be moves made to help Poles and the Bears be properly ready to pay their young quarterback a lot of money.