The Chicago Bears had a home-run draft, securing two cornerstone players in quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. Yet, both first-round rookies are two of only five first-round picks yet to sign their rookie deal. What’s the holdup, and could this potentially develop into a troubling dilemma soon?
Troubling Dilemma Regarding Bears First-Round Rookies
Why Mike Florio Believes the Bears Rookies Haven’t Signed Their Rookie Contracts
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk listed three reasons Bears Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze haven’t signed their contracts yet. The three main reasons were signing bonus cash flow, voiding guarantees, and guarantee offsets, and he went into detail to explain each possibility.
“1. Signing bonus cash flow: How much of the signing bonus is paid up front? How much is deferred, and for how long? Players want the money ASAFP. Teams might try to push some of it out, by a year or longer.
2. Voiding of guarantees: What will it take to let a team wipe out the remaining guarantees? There have been issues in the past about suspensions for certain on-field infractions opening the door to erasing the guaranteed money. Players want to limit the team’s ability to un-guarantee the guaranteed cash. Teams prefer the flexibility to get out from under a bad deal.
3. Guarantee offsets: If the player is released with guaranteed money left, will earnings elsewhere reduce the money owed? The player prefers to double dip. The team wants to get credit for salary from a new NFL franchise.”
Is There a Cause for Concern for the Bears Regarding Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze Not Signing Their Contracts Yet?
“I’m not handling that,” Williams remarked after the final practice of the Bears’ mandatory minicamp. He has a team of lawyers negotiating the specifics of his rookie deal with Bears GM Ryan Poles, so it’s not Williams that’s causing the standstill. The reason Odunze hasn’t signed yet is somewhat unclear, but both first-round picks have been attending every practice. This doesn’t look like it’ll turn into a Roquan Smith situation where Williams and Odunze will sit out training camp due to contract issues.
They both have demonstrated high levels of maturity, and there’s a strong belief that they haven’t signed their contracts for a negative reason. Williams and Odunze have a team-first mentality and are focused solely on improving the team. With HBO’s Hard Knocks set to film the Bears’ training camp, the last thing these rookies want is extra attention due to a contract situation.
Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports
