Caleb Williams Leads NFL in Deep TD Throws with Bo Nix Tied at 13

Caleb Williams has taken the NFL by storm in his second season, leading the league in deep touchdown throws of 20+ air yards with 13 in 2025. The Chicago Bears quarterback wasn’t alone at the top-first-round rookie Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos matched his total, creating an unlikely tie atop the charts.

Who joined Caleb Williams in deep-ball success?

Nix’s 13 deep touchdown throws in 2025 came as a surprise to many. The former Oregon Duck wasn’t the headline name from his draft class. That honor went to Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, followed by Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. Yet Nix’s production under Sean Payton’s offense in Denver proved just as lethal downfield.

The numbers don’t lie. Nix’s 13 deep scores came in his rookie season, capped by a playoff win over the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen. For Williams, the milestone underscores his growth in Ben Johnson’s offense after a strong debut year.

Why deep throws matter for Caleb Williams

Williams’ ability to extend plays with his legs sets up big gains. His 13 deep touchdowns in 2025 weren’t just volume-they reflected precision and timing. Receivers had more room to operate, turning routine routes into explosive gains.

The Bears signal-caller’s deep-ball success isn’t new. But his second-year leap under a new system shows his adaptability. It also highlights how far he’s come since entering the league as the top pick in 2024.

What the Bo Nix tie means for the 2024 QB class

Nix’s rise complicates the narrative around the 2024 draft class. Williams, Daniels, and Maye entered with higher expectations. Yet Nix’s 13 deep scores in his debut season put him in the same company.

The comparison isn’t about long-term ceiling. It’s about production. Nix’s rookie year proved that overlooked talent can thrive in the right system. For Williams, it’s another data point in his rapid development.

Where Caleb Williams goes from here

The Bears’ offense now has a proven deep threat in Williams. His 13 deep touchdowns in 2025 set a high bar. The question is whether he can sustain it-and if Nix can build on his rookie success.

For Chicago, the answer could define their offensive identity. For the rest of the league, it’s a reminder that Williams isn’t the only young QB making defenses pay deep.