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Caleb Williams Faces Trade Rumors as Ben Johnson Eyes Exit

2026-06-30 · Caleb Williams · Player Focus

Caleb Williams Faces Trade Rumors as Ben Johnson Eyes Exit

Caleb Williams' trade chatter hit the headlines on June 30, when former Jets scout Daniel Kelly posted a bold prediction that Bears head coach Ben Johnson could cut ties with the quarterback. Kelly pointed to Williams' 58.1% completion rate and a 27-to-7 touchdown-interception ratio from the 2025 season as evidence that Johnson wants a higher-performing signal-caller.

Why is Ben Johnson questioning Caleb Williams?

Kelly cited multiple interviews where Johnson allegedly demanded a 70% completion percentage and cleaner body language from Williams. The coach’s off-season remarks, according to Kelly, suggest he’s growing impatient with the young star’s accuracy, which slipped from 62.5% in 2024 to 58.1% this year. And the Bears still finished 11-6, barely making the Divisional Round.

How could a trade reshape Caleb Williams' career?

If Johnson decides to move on, the most plausible route would be a trade to an AFC team. The New York Jets, still relying on Geno Smith, could see Williams as a fresh option if Smith falters. Another target could be the Pittsburgh Steelers, where veteran Aaron Rodgers may be on his way out, leaving a vacancy for a dynamic quarterback. Both scenarios would give Williams a chance to reset his completion numbers in a new system.

What does the 2026 season hold for Caleb Williams?

Williams will have the entire 2026 offseason to address the shortcomings highlighted by Johnson. Improving his completion rate is the obvious priority, but he also needs to refine his pre-snap cadence to match Johnson’s expectations. So far, his 27 touchdowns show he can produce big plays when the timing clicks.

What does this mean for the Bears’ coaching staff?

Ben Johnson isn’t the first coach to swap quarterbacks after a successful season. Andy Reid famously shifted from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes, and Bill Belichick eventually moved on from Tom Brady. If Johnson follows that pattern, he may view Williams as a short-term solution rather than a long-term franchise leader. The Bears could either double down on Williams’ development or seek a veteran to stabilize the offense.

The speculation surrounding Caleb Williams underscores how quickly NFL narratives can change. While the Bears’ 2025 run was respectable, the pressure to hit a 70% completion mark could force a dramatic roster move before the next season kicks off.

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