Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze Sign Rookie Deals: Bears Enter Training Camp With No Loose Ends
On rookie report day, all Bears’ rookies are now under contract. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze both signed their deals today. Odunze's four-year deal is worth nearly 22.7M dollars, all of it fully guaranteed. Caleb Williams, the number one overall pick, also received a fully guaranteed 39M dollars. Both deals include fifth-year team options.
There was some concern among fans, but never any real indication that things might go wrong. Both players were in the building today, signed their contracts, and got it done. Rome Odunze went first, followed by Caleb Williams.
There were rumors that Odunze wouldn't sign before knowing Williams would, and vice versa. However, the guarantees and bonuses seemed to be the negotiable item being ironed out. The Bears committed to Caleb Williams significantly, as suggested by his signing bonus of 25.5M dollars.
If you're going to spend the number one overall pick on a player and designate him as the face of your franchise, it makes sense to give him the guaranteed money and signing bonus. Recent first-round quarterbacks like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson signed their deals around the same time. The Bears are set to start training camp earlier than the rest of the league because of the Hall of Fame game.
Looking back at the 2021 draft class represented by Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, both of whom are now Cowboys, and Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, who signed their contracts on July 28th, these quarterbacks have now become very wealthy men with extensions. This is the path Caleb Williams is expected to follow if everything goes according to plan.
People often say you need to win with a rookie contract and quarterback. The Bears want to be in a position where they pay a quarterback so much money that it signifies they have a player like Patrick Mahomes. The combination of a talented quarterback and wide receiver, both on rookie contracts, is beneficial for the team.
Wide receivers have become extremely valuable, sometimes even more so than quarterbacks. Having both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze on rookie contracts is excellent for the Bears and the NFL if they develop at the same rate. This dynamic duo will be on the practice field when the Bears start their first full team effort this weekend.
Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze are dedicated to competing at the highest level and doing everything possible to be the best players they can be. Missing training camp time due to unsigned contracts would go against their dedication. Fortunately, this is no longer a concern.
Meanwhile, the Vikings still have yet to sign their first-round quarterback, JJ McCarthy, who is among five rookies still unsigned. The Bears are starting early because of the Hall of Fame game, giving them an extra week. While fans may feel anxious, teams and players still have time to finalize details and sign deals.
It was crucial to get first-round draft picks into training camp on time. With the addition of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, as fans we’re all thinking playoffs and beyond. With no missed meeting or practice time, the Bears must act like a playoff team, avoiding dumb mistakes and ensuring all positions are solid.
This Bears team on paper looks like nine wins is the floor, but it may not be enough to secure a playoff spot, especially considering the NFC North's competitiveness. The Lions were two plays away from the Super Bowl, and the Packers are still ahead of the Bears. Brian Flores, a creative defensive coordinator, may pose challenges for a rookie quarterback. The Bears must think, talk, and act like a playoff team. They still need to identify an edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat, ensure the offensive line is sound, and the necessary develop continuity on the units within the team such as the offensive line, defensive line and secondary. This is not a young rebuilding team any more, it's a team that is built to compete this season.
Today's signings of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze were the crucial steps to the start of training camp. This marks a significant step in the team's journey, with high hopes for the future. The dedication and commitment of these players, combined with the Bears' strategic moves, set the stage for a promising season ahead.
Rome Odunze joins a trio of receivers that might be among the best in the NFL. With a 13M dollar signing bonus, expectations are high for him to produce immediately. He will be on the field in three wide receiver sets, complementing DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
Odunze excels at deep catches, making him a valuable asset for big explosive plays. While he may not have ten targets per game like a Keenan Allen, his four catches per game could significantly impact. He also offers positional versatility, capable of playing in the slot if needed.
Now with all player expected to enter training camp on time, the focus is on building a strong, competitive team with playoff aspirations. The right mindset and proper preparation are crucial to the Bears aim to make a significant impact in this upcoming season. Ashland Bears fans we are all excited to see what’s to come not only this season but in the future as well. Squad Up! BearDown! ~Sammo Follow @ BigSammo80 on X
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