AGREEMENT REACHED: Chicago Bears Have Reacged Trade Agreement To Sign College Most Experienced QB After Signing Receiver Rome Odunze

On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears signed four-year contracts with their top two rookies, Caleb Williams, the first choice in the draft, and Rome Odunze, the ninth pick. This move eliminated any training camp uncertainty for their main quarterback and receiver.

Williams’ deal details were confirmed anonymously to The Associated Press by a source familiar with the agreement, as the organization has not formally disclosed it. Williams’ contract includes a $39.49 million guaranteed salary as well as a large $25.5 million signing bonus.

Odunze’s agreement was confirmed publicly by the Bears, and both players have options that continue through 2028.

Williams, who won the 2022 Heisman Trophy, is widely regarded as a once-in-a-generation prodigy. The Bears are banking on him to fill the long-standing need for a franchise quarterback in Chicago.
Williams earned remarkable statistics during his undergraduate career at Oklahoma and later Southern California under coach Lincoln Riley, including 93 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. In his two years at USC, he threw 72 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions.

Williams will join seasoned receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, as well as Odunze, who thrived at Washington.

Odunze, who played four seasons for the Huskies, was an All-American last season and led the nation with 1,640 receiving yards, a school record. Washington advanced to the national title game, but lost to Michigan. Odunze recorded 3,272 receiving yards and 24 touchdown receptions throughout his college career.

The Bears’ rookies were supposed to report for training camp on Tuesday, with veterans arriving on Friday and the first practice scheduled for Saturday.