Caleb Williams Shows Growth in Rookie Season, Bears Look Ahead to 2026
The Chicago Bears' season came to a dramatic end in the Divisional Round, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams throwing a critical overtime interception against the Rams. But while the loss stung, head coach Ben Johnson sees the bigger picture - and he likes what he sees in his young QB.
After a full season of ups, downs, and plenty of learning moments, Johnson believes Williams took meaningful steps forward in his development. And now, the focus shifts to building on that foundation.
“My main message to him was he needs to get out of football a little bit,” Johnson said, reflecting on the end of the season. “He’s done a phenomenal job in terms of staying focused all year long.
He put in a lot of time, a lot of effort. I thought he grew up as a professional.”
That growth wasn’t just about on-field mechanics. Johnson pointed to Williams’ improved communication - both with coaches and teammates - as a sign of his maturation.
For a rookie quarterback, that’s no small feat. Leadership is often what separates talented passers from true franchise cornerstones, and Williams seems to be trending in the right direction.
The Bears made some technical tweaks to his game as well, including a revamp of his footwork last spring. According to Johnson, that adjustment paid dividends as the season progressed, helping Williams get more comfortable in the offense and more confident in his reads.
“He certainly got more comfortable with the concepts we were running over the course of the season. That’s something we can build upon,” Johnson said. “And yet there’s still a lot more that we can push through in that regard.”
Johnson didn’t shy away from expressing his belief in Williams, calling himself the quarterback’s “No. 1 believer” and emphasizing his confidence in what the 22-year-old can become.
“We haven’t even scratched the surface of what we’re fully capable of yet,” Johnson said. That’s a bold statement, but one that speaks to the Bears’ long-term vision. They believe they have their guy - now it’s about putting the right pieces around him and continuing to develop his skill set.
D.J. Moore’s Toughness Sets the Tone for Chicago
While Williams was the headline story in Chicago this season, veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore quietly played a vital role - not necessarily in the stat sheet, but in the locker room.
Moore posted career lows in receptions and receiving yards in 2025, but Johnson made it clear: the numbers don’t tell the full story.
“I’ll use his words: he didn’t care about stats. All he cared about was winning,” Johnson said.
“This is the most winning DJ has ever had, probably since high school. That’s all he cares about.”
That mindset, according to Johnson, had a ripple effect throughout the roster. Moore’s toughness - playing through injuries, showing up when it mattered - became a standard for others to match.
“Guys, if they were dinged up, like they almost had to go because DJ was going,” Johnson said. “He was able to fight through a lot. Got a lot of respect for him.”
As the Bears evaluate their roster heading into the offseason, Moore’s leadership and team-first mentality will be a key part of the culture they’re trying to build around Williams.
Falcons Restructure Front Office, Bring in Familiar Faces
Down in Atlanta, the Falcons are making major moves - both on the sideline and in the front office. The team hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach and brought in former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan as their new president of football operations.
According to reports, the decision to bring Ryan back into the fold came after a consulting group advised owner Arthur Blank to hire a senior executive to oversee the football department. Blank, having witnessed Ryan’s leadership firsthand during his playing days, felt confident in the move.
Shortly after Stefanski was hired, he and Ryan reportedly met at the team facility to begin evaluating the coaching staff and front office structure. That kind of collaboration between head coach and team president will be crucial as the Falcons look to reset their identity.
As for the general manager role, two names are expected to be in the mix: Bears executive Ian Cunningham and 49ers executive Josh Williams. Both bring strong resumes and could be key in helping Atlanta rebuild its roster.
Panthers Face Key Contract Decisions This Offseason
Meanwhile, in Carolina, the Panthers are entering a pivotal offseason with several contract situations to sort through. Among the most notable:
- CB Mike Jackson: Set to make $4.25 million in 2026, Jackson reportedly outperformed that number this past season. The Panthers now have to decide whether to lock him up long-term or let him play out his current deal.
- G Damien Lewis: Scheduled to earn $12.24 million next year, Lewis may be in line for a short-term extension or potential contract restructure. His steady play has made him a valuable piece on the offensive line.
- DE A’Shawn Robinson: Carrying a cap hit of $11.55 million, Robinson’s future is uncertain. Carolina could look to negotiate a new deal or potentially release him to free up cap space.
- TE Tommy Tremble: Cutting Tremble would save the Panthers $6 million in cap space - money that could be used to address key needs like center or left tackle.
- DT Bobby Brown: With a cap figure of $8.03 million, the Panthers may consider restructuring his contract to push some of that money into 2027. While a release seems unlikely, his contract will be one to watch.
For Carolina, this offseason isn’t just about roster tweaks - it’s about setting a course for the future. With a handful of key players on the financial bubble, the front office will need to be strategic in how it allocates resources.
As the offseason begins to take shape across the league, teams like the Bears, Falcons, and Panthers are already laying the groundwork for what comes next. Whether it’s nurturing a young quarterback, reshaping a front office, or managing the cap with precision, the decisions made now will echo deep into the 2026 season and beyond.