The Chicago Bears invested in their offense in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams first overall and Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth pick.
The organization has high hopes for both players, as Williams has a chance to be the best quarterback in team history, while Odunze joins DJ Moore and Keenan Allen to round out one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFC.
For whatever reason, both players’ rookie contracts were delayed. This is not uncommon, as Minnesota Vikings first-round pick quarterback JJ McCarthy also hadn’t signed his contract yet going into Tuesday.
Bears fans can exhale, however, as both of the team’s first-round picks put pen to paper Tuesday ahead of rookies reporting to training camp.
News of Odunze’s signing broke first, as NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport posted the news to his X account Tuesday afternoon.
The #Bears have agreed to terms with one of their first-round picks, locking in WR Rome Odunze on his four-year, $22.7M fully guaranteed contract with a fifth-year option. He gets a $13.3M signing bonus.
Chicago rookies report today. pic.twitter.com/c7UD4K9BuL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2024
The good news kept coming for Chicago, though. Two hours later, Rapoport reported that Williams had signed his deal, as well.
The #Bears and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams have agreed to terms on his new contract, sources say.
He gets a slotted 4-year, $39.49M fully guaranteed deal with a $25.5M signing bonus. The top pick is now 🔏. pic.twitter.com/WM1JHqyKX5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2024
With training camp set to get underway, Hard Knocks camera crews on hand, and a Hall of Fame Game meeting with the Houston Texans just two weeks away, the Bears are undoubtedly thrilled to have these deals taken care of.
