Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley offered high praise this week for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, calling the young signal-caller a proven talent with even greater potential ahead.
Barkley shared his thoughts during an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show” hosted by Kay Adams. The conversation turned to Williams earning a spot as a cover athlete for the latest Madden video game, a recognition that prompted the Eagles star to reflect on the Bears quarterback’s abilities.
“I think Chicago is a great city. I think he’s a great player. I don’t think, I know he’s a great player,” Barkley said.
The veteran back did not stop there. He pointed to the upside still waiting for Williams as he continues to develop in the NFL.
“I think it can get scary if he reaches the level I think he can get to. Hopefully it’s not anytime soon. Because he’s on the NFC. But it’s cool what he was able to do in the playoffs and the plays that he was able to make throughout the season, the flash plays he was able to make,” Barkley said.
Williams put together a solid 2025 campaign in his second year as a starter. He completed 330 passes for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. On the ground, he added 388 rushing yards and three more scores.
Those numbers came with some clear room for growth. Williams completed 58.1 percent of his attempts, a mark that coaches and analysts have flagged as an area needing consistency if he wants to take the next step. Staying healthy was not an issue, as he played every game, but sustaining high-level performance across four quarters remains a focus.
Barkley, who has appeared on a Madden cover himself in the past, made a point of welcoming Williams into that select group of players.
“Caleb, congratulations on joining the fraternity. It’s a special group. I wish nothing but the best for you. Besides, I think Week 3 and I think in the playoffs. I feel like that’s a team that, if we want to get to where we want to get to, you have to see them again,” Barkley said.
The two teams are scheduled to meet in Week 3 on Sept. 28 in a Monday Night Football contest that already carries extra weight. Barkley’s comments underscored the competitive respect between the NFC clubs as both aim for deep postseason runs.
Beyond player compliments, Williams also drew attention in recent league-wide evaluations. Mike Sando of The Athletic surveyed 50 executives and coaches who ranked the top 35 veteran quarterbacks. Williams finished 11th, sharing that spot with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
One anonymous head coach described studying film of Williams and coming away impressed.
“I’ve got all these cutups on him, and I’m going, ‘This guy is special,’” the coach said. “He makes unbelievable throws, and he’s fearless.”
Sando noted that every quarterback ranked higher than Williams received at least one Tier 1 vote, while Williams himself collected none. Still, several evaluators suggested that could change after another season of growth.
“I think Caleb’s going from a 2 to a possible 1,” one executive said. “A couple of plays he made late in the year and then in the playoffs, not many people can make those plays. You saw it get better and better as they progressed.”
Williams will enter the 2026 season with another full offseason under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The extra time in the system is expected to help him refine decision-making and accuracy while building on the flashes that already turned heads around the league.
Barkley’s remarks added another layer of endorsement from a peer who understands the demands of starring in the NFC. For Bears fans, the combination of on-field production, peer respect, and ranking buzz points to a quarterback still climbing toward the top tier of the position.
