Colin Cowherd predicts Caleb Williams could be NFL's best QB in 2026
Williams' low salary cap hit (3.5%) gives Bears significant roster flexibility
Williams had lowest interception rate among top QBs and elite physical attributes
Williams needs improvement in completion percentage and passer rating
📖 Full Retelling
FOX Sports personality Colin Cowherd predicted on February 19, 2026, that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams could become the NFL's best quarterback in 2026, citing not only his talent but also his relatively low salary cap hit as key factors in his assessment. Williams proved his capabilities in 2025 by leading the Chicago Bears to an NFC North title and a divisional round appearance, throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 388 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Cowherd emphasized that when evaluating quarterbacks for the 2026 season, the financial aspect must be considered, noting that Williams' $10.8 million salary cap hit represents just 3.5% of the cap compared to stars like Lamar Jackson who consumes 25% of the cap space. This financial flexibility allows the Bears to maintain a stacked roster around their young quarterback, contrasting with teams like the Buffalo Bills who lack Pro Bowlers on defense due to significant quarterback salary expenditures. Statistically, Williams outperformed many established NFL veterans with 20-plus yard throws and boasted the lowest interception rate since entering the league, better than Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. He also demonstrated elite physical attributes with the fastest quarterback clock speed and the longest completion in the league during the 2025 season. Despite these strengths, Cowherd acknowledged areas for improvement, noting Williams' 90.1 passer rating ranked 22nd and his 58.1 completion percentage was 34th among eligible quarterbacks. However, Cowherd believes Williams' combination of talent, durability, minimal interception tendency, and exceptional salary efficiency makes him a strong candidate to be considered the NFL's best quarterback when all factors are weighed for the 2026 season.
🏷️ Themes
NFL quarterback evaluation, salary cap implications, young QB development
Colin Murray Cowherd (born January 6, 1964) is an American sports media personality. He began his broadcasting career as sports director of Las Vegas television station KVBC and as a sports anchor on several other stations before joining ESPN in 2003, where he hosted a radio show on the ESPN Radio n...
In American football, the starting quarterback is considered to be among the most important positions in sports. They are among the most high-profile athletes in North America and are typically viewed as the team's leader. The success of a National Football League (NFL) franchise often rests on the ...
Caleb Williams (born November 18, 2001) is an American professional football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Following one season of college football with the Oklahoma Sooners, he played for the USC Trojans and won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 after setting sin...
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. They are one of two remaining franchises from the NFL's founding in 1920, along with the Arizona...
Colin Cowherd argues that Caleb Williams could become the NFL's best quarterback in 2026, but he stresses that salary cap considerations are as important as on‑field performance. This perspective highlights how financial strategy can shape a team's competitive edge and influence player rankings.
Context & Background
Williams led the Chicago Bears to an NFC North title and a divisional round appearance in 2025
Cowherd emphasizes that a quarterback's cost must be factored into rankings for the 2026 season
Historically, quarterbacks with lower cap hits have been more likely to win Super Bowls since 2010
What Happens Next
If Williams continues to improve his passing efficiency and reduces negative plays, he could solidify his status as a top contender in 2026. The Bears may also adjust their roster to support his development, potentially leading to a deeper playoff run and increased media attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does salary matter for a quarterback?
Teams must allocate cap space for all positions; a lower quarterback cost frees up funds for defense, offense, and depth, which can improve overall team performance.
What are Caleb Williams' key strengths?
He has the longest throws in the league, the lowest interception rate among active quarterbacks, and the fastest clock speed, making him a dynamic playmaker.
Is Cowherd's prediction realistic?
While speculative, it is grounded in Williams' 2025 statistics and the trend that lower‑cost quarterbacks have won championships, suggesting a plausible scenario for 2026.
Original Source
- No Data Available - BROWSE BY SPORTS & TEAMS PLAYERS SHOWS PERSONALITIES TOPICS Built on National Football League National Football League Colin Cowherd: Caleb Williams Might Be NFL's Best QB in 2026 Updated Feb. 19, 2026 7:43 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link Caleb Williams proved he could quarterback a playoff team in 2025, leading the Chicago Bears to an NFC North title and a divisional round appearance. Now, FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd believes that the Bears quarterback can take the next step in 2026 and become the league's top quarterback, but maybe not for the reason you'd think. On FS1's "The Herd," Cowherd explained that while Williams has the talent to be an elite quarterback, his rookie contract salary also has to be considered when you rank the quarterbacks you want the most for the 2026 season. "You've got to count everything with a quarterback, including the cost," Cowherd said. "Not including what a quarterback costs, there's a reason the Bills have no Pro Bowlers on defense and the Bears have a stacked roster — it's because Caleb Williams costs $10 million per year. It's a 3.5% cap hit. Lamar Jackson's going to be a 25% cap hit. "I don't care about résumé. I'm not into past celebrations or past failures. I'm into projecting 2026 Labor Day Weekend. Is Caleb the best quarterback in the league? Because discussing quarterbacks without acknowledging the cost is like doing your family budget when you sit down with your wife and not counting the Maserati you bought last year without asking her." To Cowherd's point, Williams will be one of the lesser-paid starting quarterbacks in 2026. His $10.8 million salary cap hit is the 25th among all quarterbacks for next season, per Over The Cap. That's a pretty good salary for a quarterback who threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions to go with 388 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season. And adding to Cowherd's point, the teams that have won the Super Bowl in recent years have ...
