Albert Breer Doesn’t Hold Back on Caleb Williams’ Progress, Warns Chicago Bears Fans They May Not Like What’s Coming

NFL insider Albert Breer sent shockwaves through Chicago Bears nation this week after issuing a stark assessment of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ development during early training camp. The longtime NFL reporter and analyst didn’t mince words while appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, expressing concerns that could deflate the high hopes of a fan base desperate for a franchise quarterback.

A Franchise-Saving Pick? Not So Fast.

The Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a decision met with thunderous applause from fans and media alike. Touted as a generational quarterback talent and the savior of a long-beleaguered franchise, Williams arrived with sky-high expectations following a standout college career at USC.

But according to Breer, reality isn’t matching the hype—at least not yet.

“Caleb is struggling with the mental transition,” Breer said. “From what I’ve heard from inside Halas Hall, the talent is there, but he’s behind in processing and isn’t adapting to the pro game as quickly as they’d hoped.”

Breer’s Comments Stir Fan Reactions

Breer’s comments quickly ignited a firestorm on social media. Bears fans, who were jubilant just weeks ago, began expressing concern. Some called for patience; others demanded that the Bears simplify the offense. But Breer doubled down on his assessment.

“The tools are obvious, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to lead this team in Week 1,” he added. “There’s growing concern that maybe expectations need to be tempered for Year 1.”

Inside the Struggles: What’s Really Going On?

Sources close to the team say that Williams has looked inconsistent in 7-on-7 and full-team drills. While his arm talent is evident, he’s reportedly had issues with timing, recognizing disguised coverages, and operating under center—something he rarely did at USC.

New Bears head coach Ben Johnson, a noted quarterback whisperer, remains publicly supportive.

“Caleb’s making progress every day,” Johnson told reporters at Halas Hall. “There’s a lot on his plate. We’re not expecting perfection—we’re expecting growth.”

But Breer’s report suggests that growth isn’t coming fast enough to silence internal doubt.

What This Means for the Bears Offense

The Bears spent the offseason building around Williams. They signed veteran WR Tyler Boyd and revamped the offensive line, while holding onto key playmakers like DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. The team even traded Darnell Mooney, signaling confidence in Williams’ ability to elevate the group.

But if Williams continues to struggle, there could be ripple effects.

Running back D’Andre Swift, another big offseason acquisition, may see more touches as the offense becomes more conservative. Wideouts like Keenan Allen and rookies such as Luther Burden may see fewer deep targets if Johnson opts for a quick-passing scheme to shield Williams from pressure.

The Bears do have veteran QB Tyson Bagent on the roster, but sources insist there’s no quarterback competition at this point. However, Breer noted, “Don’t be surprised if Johnson quietly leans on Bagent early if Caleb’s not ready to go by Week 1.”

Learning the Hard Way

Breer emphasized that this isn’t necessarily a doom-and-gloom scenario—it’s part of the natural rookie curve.

“This happens with a lot of top picks,” he said. “Trevor Lawrence had a rough rookie year. So did Peyton Manning. The issue is expectations. Fans think Day 1 greatness, but the league is brutal on young QBs.”

In fact, Breer believes that the Bears’ long history of quarterback failures only adds pressure on the USC product.

“Chicago has never had a true franchise quarterback,” Breer said. “So when you get the No. 1 pick and take a guy like Caleb, the entire city expects instant results. That’s not fair to him or the staff.”

What’s Next?

The Bears have three weeks of training camp before their preseason opener. All eyes will be on how Williams handles increased reps and game-speed simulations. Johnson has already promised that Williams will get “plenty of work” in the preseason.

“We want him to see everything—pressure looks, disguised zones, drop-eights,” Johnson said. “That’s the only way to grow.”

It’s a developmental approach that mirrors what Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes, though the Bears have been noncommittal about sitting Williams for any length of time.

Still, if Breer’s report gains traction and Williams continues to struggle, pressure will mount on Johnson to manage the rookie’s reps and expectations.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about Williams—it’s about the entire direction of the Bears franchise.

The organization made bold moves this offseason, not just drafting Williams but also overhauling the front office, coaching staff, and roster. They shipped Justin Fields to the Steelers and handed the keys to a 22-year-old with dazzling potential but no NFL experience.

If Williams fails—or even stumbles out of the gate—it could undo much of the goodwill the Bears front office has rebuilt over the last year.

But Breer, while sounding the alarm, isn’t ruling out long-term success.

“I think Caleb’s going to be a star—eventually,” he concluded. “But Bears fans need to understand that ‘eventually’ might not mean September.”

While Breer’s report casts a shadow over the early stages of the Caleb Williams era in Chicago, it’s important to remember that rookie quarterbacks often take time to find their footing. Still, the Bears don’t have the luxury of patience in the eyes of their fan base.

The organization will need to carefully balance Williams’ development with managing public expectations, locker room dynamics, and win-loss columns.

For now, all eyes remain locked on Halas Hall. Can Caleb Williams turn it around in time? Or will Albert Breer’s warning become a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Only time—and preseason reps—will tell.