New Chicago Bears QB makes feelings on Caleb Williams unmistakably clear (2025)

2025 is all about the Chicago Bears developing Caleb Williams. The Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson to help Williams become the quarterback the team envisioned when they selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft.

Part of Johnson’s homework assignment before becoming the head coach was to put together a leadership plan for the Bears and Williams. Johnson is making sure to add a piece to the locker room Williams didn’t have in 2024: A veteran quarterback.

The Bears signed 11-year veteran Case Keenum this offseason to provide leadership to Williams.

Case Keenum is bringing the Chicago Bears experience

Per Gabby Hajduk of the Bears’ website, Keenum thinks he has plenty to give Chicago in year 12.

“I know where I’m at in my career and what I can bring to a team,” Keenum said. “For me, a lot of it is not just on the field. I still feel like I have a lot of juice left and can play at a high level, but it’s also about the off-the-field things you do during offseason workouts and the relationships you build, the trust you build, the culture that you want to help instill…

“I’ve just been in a lot of situations, and I’ve gotten the crap knocked out of me a bunch, and more than knowing how to get hit, I know how to get back up and I know what it takes to play at a very high level in this league.”

The Bears reportedly plan to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster this fall. Keenum has a chance to battle for the No. 2 spot with third-year quarterback Tyson Bagemt.

Keenum on QB1 Caleb Williams

NFL: Houston Texans at Tennessee TitansHouston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) celebrates with Texans CEO Cal McNair after an overtime win against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Keenum isn’t competing for the QB1 job, and he made his thoughts on Williams as the starter perfectly clear.

“I watched all of Caleb and was blown away by the skill set,” Keenum said. “I did not know him personally, but man, watching some of the throws and things that he’s able to do in games he’s able to win and plays he’s able to make, it’s like, ‘oh my, he’s got everything you could possibly want in an NFL quarterback.'”

One thing Keenum should help Williams with is to learn how not to get the crap beat out of him this season. Williams took 68 sacks in his rookie campaign.

Syndication: Detroit Free PressChicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.