Chicago Bears sign rookies Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze to 4-year-deals, per reports
CHICAGO (CBS) – The Chicago Bears signed their rookie first-round picks, quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, according to media reports.
The signings come the day that rookies were expected to report for training camp.
Williams, the top overall pick, inked a four-year deal worth $39 million guaranteed, including a $25.5 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option, according to published reports.
Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick, signed a four-year contract with a fifth-year option, the team announced. His contract was worth $22.7 million fully guaranteed, including a $13.3 million signing bonus, according to published reports.
He'll team up with veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen as one of the better receiving corps in the league and a revamped offense with Williams at the helm.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Williams represents the organization's best hope at finally having a franchise quarterback for the first time since Harry Truman was president. He's drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes due to his ability to make all sorts of throws at a myriad of angles.
Williams had a challenging 2023 season at USC in which he threw for more than 3,600 yards, 30 touchdowns and only five interceptions, leading the Trojans to a mere 7-5 record. But it was his 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning campaign that truly put him on the radar as a potential top NFL prospect. In 2022, he passed for more than 4,500 yards, 42 touchdowns, and only five picks. He also added another 382 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
Odunze was a star receiver in college and is coming off a year with 92 receptions and more than 1,600 yards, earning him All-American honors and being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. He was a big part of the Huskies offense that ranked No. 1 nationally, leading the team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Scouts have pegged him as flashing superior ball skills and body control in the air. He's even drawn comparisons, especially with his large frame and catching ability, to NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald and former Bears wideout Allen Robinson.
The Bears rookies are set to report to training camp on Tuesday with the veterans expected to report on Friday. The first team practice is scheduled for Saturday.