The Chicago Bears finalized contracts with their top two rookies on Tuesday, securing four-year deals for Caleb Williams, the No. 1 draft pick, and Rome Odunze, selected ninth . This move avoided any training camp uncertainty with their key quarterback and receiver.
A source familiar with the agreement confirmed Williams’ contract details to The Associated Press anonymously since the team hasn’t officially announced it. Williams’ contract includes a guaranteed amount of $39.49 million, along with a substantial $25.5 million signing bonus.
The Bears publicly announced Odunze’s signing and both players have options extending through 2028.
Williams, who won the 2022 Heisman Trophy, is highly regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent. The Bears are counting on him to fill the long-standing void of a franchise quarterback in Chicago.
During his college career at Oklahoma and later Southern California under coach Lincoln Riley, Williams accumulated impressive statistics: 93 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. In his two years at USC, he threw for 72 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions.
In Chicago, Williams joins veteran receivers DJ Moore and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, alongside Odunze, who excelled at Washington.
Odunze, who played four seasons with the Huskies, was an All-American last season and led the nation with a school-record 1,640 receiving yards. Washington reached the national championship game but fell to Michigan. Throughout his college tenure, Odunze amassed 3,272 receiving yards and caught 24 touchdown passes.
The Bears’ rookies were scheduled to report for training camp on Tuesday, with veterans arriving on Friday and the first practice set for Saturday.
