Chicago Bears: 10 Best Quarterbacks of All Time

The Chicago Bears have a deep, storied history tainted by relatively mediocre quarterback play. Despite being one of the most successful franchises ever, no Bears QB has ever thrown for more than 4,000 yards in a single season.

That's not to say there haven't been excellent performances and even careers. After selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bears fans are hopeful they finally have a bonafide franchise signal caller to shape the next decade.

In anticipation of a prodigy who Chicago hopes will soon crack this list, let's look at the 10 greatest QBs to ever suit up for the Bears.

10 Best Chicago Bears QBs of All Time

10. Rudy Bukich (1959, 1962-1968)

Ranking 12th in team history in passing yards (6,254) despite playing in a limited passing era, Rudy Bukich was the organization's defining QB in the 1960s. He finished third in NFL UPI MVP voting in 1965, throwing for 2,641 yards and 20 TDs to just nine interceptions.

Bukich had the league's lowest interception rate (2.9%), illustrating the mistake-free football he played en route to a 9-3 record as a starter.

He was a reserve on the 1963 championship team and started four games the following year, compiling a 3-1 record while leading the NFL in completion percentage (61.9%). Considering the era, efficiency Bukich displayed and relative longevity, he deserves a spot on the list.

Rudy Bukich Chicago Bears Statistics

9. Ed Brown (1954-1961)

One of Bukich's teammates for a brief period, Ed Brown helped lay a foundation for the franchise in the early years. He led the NFL in completion percentage (57.1%), TD percentage (6.5%), yards per attempt (9.9), and passer rating (83.1) in 1956, compiling one of the best seasons in Bears history relative to the era.

Brown was twice named a Pro Bowler and finished sixth in the UPI NFL MVP voting in 1955. Despite playing in a depreciated passing era, Brown still ranks eighth in franchise history in passing yards (9,698).

Taking into account the era in which he played, Brown ranks among the most successful signal callers the team has had. He led Chicago to a 9-2-1 record in that stellar 1956 season, ultimately losing in the championship.

One of the pioneers of Bears football, Brown is a player fans should remember fondly.

Ed Brown Chicago Bears Statistics