“Bears Boost Offense with Rookie Signings Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze as Training Camp Begins

The Chicago Bears won’t have any contract hang-ups creating an issue at the start of training camp.

The team ensured that on Tuesday, the day rookies reported to Halas Hall, when it announced the signing of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze – both first-round draft picks – to standard four-year rookie contracts that include a club option for 2028.

Both deals were expected to be done in advance of training camp and they were, squaring everything away before veterans report Friday. The Bears are opening camp early because they are participating in the Hall of Fame Game. The first practice is Saturday at Halas Hall.

Still, you never know if a deal will be completed until the contract is signed. The Bears encountered an unexpected speed bump in 2018 that turned into a nearly three-week staredown with linebacker Roquan Smith over his rookie contract. This time there wasn’t any drama that prevented Williams and Odunze from signing.

Williams, the No. 1 pick, is expected to receive a $25,537,132 signing bonus as part of his $39,486,057 contract. Williams is self-represented as he has not hired an NFLPA-certified agent. Odunze, chosen at No. 9, is expected to receive a $13,346,908 signing bonus as part of a $22,724,500 contract. Rookie contracts are slotted by draft position, so it’s unusual when there’s a major problem getting a deal completed. Both sides wanted to keep the focus on the field after the draft and through the offseason program. That left ample time to finalize the contracts.

A lot of players entering the NFL now have earned enough NIL money in college that they don’t feel rushed to sign a first contract and receive the signing bonus. With business wrapped up, the focus can turn back to only football.