Caleb Williams Explains Why He Hasn’t Accepted a Rookie Contract
The Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams first overall in April of this year, presumably resolving their long-standing problem of lacking a real franchise quarterback.
The sole problem? Williams and the Bears have yet to sign a contract.
Williams was questioned over his contract status on Saturday while giving a speech at his “Caleb Cares Hero Awards” event, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.
Williams was also questioned about whether or not his contract status will affect his ability to report on time for training camp.
I’m not handling that. 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.
It’s worth noting though, that since Williams doesn’t have an NFLPA certified agent, he’s technically the one who should be handling it. Per NFLPA rules, Williams’ lawyers are not permitted to negotiate with the Bears.
It’s worth noting though, that this kind of situation has happened in the past, but the players’ association has let it slide. The league has reminded teams that in situations like this, they should only negotiate with the player.
What is Holding up a Rookie Deal With Caleb Williams?
Five first-round picks remain unsigned from this year’s draft.
It’s worth noting that Caleb Williams isn’t the only high-profile rookie yet to sign a contract.
Other first-round picks still unsigned include:
- Rome Odunze – drafted 9th overall by Chicago
- J.J. McCarthy – drafted 10th overall by Minnesota
- Dallas Turner – drafted 17th overall by Minnesota
- Amarius Mims – drafted 18th overall by Cincinnati
With the Bears’ rookies set to report to training camp this week, it has to be somewhat of a concern that their top two draft picks are still unsigned.
Mike Florio of NBC Pro Football Talk points out that the issue isn’t money, as rookie contracts are already preset. For example, Bryce Young was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers last year, and his rookie deal was signed for $37.9 million over four years, with every dollar guaranteed.
Per Florio, the three issues could potentially be:
- The payment schedule for the signing bonus
- The events that will void remaining guarantees
- Whether the team will get an offset for any guaranteed money if/when the player is cut and signs with a new team.
This will be an interesting story to follow, as the Bears will be on Hard Knocks this summer. Their first preseason game is set to take place on August 1st, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans.
Despite the game being just a few weeks away, Williams sounds optimistic that a deal will get done, and that he’ll join his teammates at practice for camp.
You start getting to the end of the break and you’re training and you’re ready to go… 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).
Chicago is looking like one of the more promising teams going into the 2024 season, due to the array of moves they’ve made to bolster their offense.
| Key Additions to Chicago Bears Offense | |
|---|---|
| Player | Added via |
| Caleb Williams – QB | Drafted 1st Overall |
| Rome Odunze – WR | Drafted 9th Overall |
| Keenan Allen – WR | Trade |
| D’Andre Swift – RB | Signed in Free Agency |
| Gerald Everett – TE | Signed in Free Agency |
In the end, there isn’t much to worry about because a deal will undoubtedly be reached in time for Williams to report to training camp with his teammates.
Chicago Tribune and NBC Sports as sources
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