Caleb Williams isn't among the top five NFL quarterbacks just yet, but nearly 7,500 yards in his first two years paint a bright picture. Now, with Patrick Mahomes' latest contract extension resetting the market value for all, the 2026 MVP candidate could make history in the near future.

For Max Dible of Heavy.com, Patrick Mahomes' new yearly average of $60 million+ could soon open a gateway for the 24-year-old, whose projected average already sits north of $50 million a year.

“When the time comes for Williams to get a new deal, the Mahomes number will drive the discussion,” NFL Analyst Mike Florio recently explained. “Especially if Williams continues to be on a trajectory that could put him among the top four or five quarterbacks in football.”

Mahomes famously reset the quarterback market when he signed a restructured deal worth a staggering $504.75 million, becoming the first half-billion-dollar player in NFL history, resetting the market for quarterbacks everywhere.

In fact, Spotrac already projects Williams' market value at nearly $207 million over four years.

If the Bears quarterback follows up his breakout 2025 campaign with another leap forward, he could have a case to push beyond $60 million annually, potentially vaulting past second-placed Dak Prescott.

Bleacher Report sees Caleb Williams as one of the strongest first-time MVP candidates heading into 2026.

Despite completing just 58.1% of his passes last season, Williams still flashed franchise-quarterback potential.

The former No. 1 pick could become the first Bears quarterback to eclipse 4,000 passing yards.

In fact, some in the NFL world think that the Madden 27 cover star could be ready to win his first MVP award already.

NFL Analyst Predicts Caleb Williams to Win the 2026 MVP Award

Not everyone is ready to place Williams among the leading MVP favorites just yet, but at least one analyst is already all in.

"If you want to talk about a guy that is (a) short-list MVP candidate, Caleb Williams would be that guy," Chris Simms said last month on his podcast.

While the Bears quarterback did not crack the top 10 in a broader analyst poll, Matt Bowen also boldly predicted that the former No. 1 overall pick will walk away with the league's highest individual honor.

For the first time in his young career, Williams is not learning a new system or adjusting to major changes around him.

Williams already boasted a 27-touchdown season last year against just six interceptions, seven more than his 2024 rookie season. Now, the ceiling could be much higher.

Even Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski ranked Williams fourth among players most likely to win their first MVP, trailing established stars like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert.

If Chicago continues its ascent near the top of the NFC, Williams could quickly force his way into that conversation.

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Written by

Aadesh Dhote

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote