With Bears rookies set to report to training camp tomorrow, first-overall pick Caleb Williams remains unsigned. With few negotiating terms on rookie contracts, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says there’s little chance the quarterback engages in a rare rookie holdout. However, Rapoport did hint that Williams may not take the practice field until veterans report on Friday.
As NFL.com’s Kevin Patra notes, signing bonus payment schedules and offset language are often the main holdups in rookie contracts. Williams isn’t operating with an NFLPA-certified agent, and Rapoport notes that his unorthodox “board of directors” approach could lead to prolonged negotiations. Ultimately, the USC product is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $39.5MM, plus a fifth-year option.
Williams didn’t sound distracted by his contract status, with the rookie deferring to his representation.
“I’m not handling that,” Williams told reporters this past weekend (via Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune). “My lawyers and attorney and everybody, the head of the Bears, everybody up there up top is handling that. That’s not my position that I’m handling.”
For what it’s worth, Williams did make it clear that he’s excited to practice with his new squad, indicating that he’s not anticipating a delay.
“You start getting to the end of the break and you’re training and you’re ready to go,” Williams said (via Kane). “Really excited. … I’m really happy to be back in Chicago and to get this thing going. We’re only about three weeks away (from the exhibition opener).”
Williams is one of seven draft picks who haven’t signed their rookie deals. This grouping includes the QB’s new teammate, ninth-overall pick Rome Odunze. Rapoport doesn’t expect there to be any issues with the wide receiver’s contract, noting that the deal will probably be completed only when absolutely necessary.
There goes the hopes of all those whack jobs claiming Chicago will win the Super Bowl this year.
This isn’t newsworthy. Those people are crazy for plenty of reasons–this isn’t one of them.
Who said Chicago is winning the SB this year?
What was all that negativity you were spouting about?
Can you imagine being 22 years old and not showing up to work due to timing and payout schedule of a 4 year $39.5 million contract?
No, but I also can’t imagine being sacked by Laiatu Latu the day after my 21st birthday. I’m pretty sure I would have been killed instantly.
$39.5 million……
I will take that hit and then tell him that Deacon Jones did it better with more style. Also, ask him to autograph the chest X-ray.
If I were that good at football, yes.
This guy is gonna be “Bo Callahan” in real life as in a bust.
For the record, did we ever actually find out that Bo Callahan was a bust? Perhaps he was coached and became a stud.
Not having their franchise QB signed on the eve of training camp is very on-brand for the Bears. A loser franchise. But hey, at least they’re not the Browns.
What was that you were saying? Cuz this take aged worse the sour milk ☠️
Your post didn’t not age well.
Bryce Young hadn’t signed his rookie contract this time last year. Neither had CJ Stroud. This is a minor story at most, and people who want to jump on it are mostly the people weirdly hopeful that Williams will fail.
You heard it here first. Williams and Odunze will both be signed by Friday. Guaranteed.
One down. Odunze signed.
You were 10000% correct and I respect that you were so on the money
This post aged well. Good call!