They were always going to sign and be a big part of what the Chicago Bears try to accomplish in 2024 and beyond.
But it did take a little bit of time for the Bears to ink both rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and wideout Rome Odunze, who signed their rookie deals on Tuesday, the first day that rookie players reported to Halas Hall for training camp.
Williams, who the Bears took No. 1 overall, landed a deal worth $39.4M over four years with a $25.5M signing bonus and a fifth-year option in 2028, per ESPN.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy threw for 10,082 yards and 93 touchdowns (14 interceptions) in a three-year college career that saw him play for both Oklahoma and USC. He also rushed for 966 yards and 27 touchdowns, and Chicago is undoubtedly hoping that he’ll be able to carry over his dual-threat abilities to the NFL.
Odunze signed a similar deal. Per ESPN, he inked a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $22.7M that includes a fifth-year option. That’s a cool $5.6M per year even if Odunze never catches a single football in Chicago, though the Bears took him ninth because they do believe he’ll be a big part of their future.
Odunze caught 214 passes for 3,237 yards and 24 touchdowns in four years at Washington, which included two straight years of 1,000-plus receiving yards.