Bears finally come to terms with first-round picks, QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze

2024-12-25 21:34:47 source:lotradecoin trading rewards program category:Stocks

Tuesday was the first day of training camp for the Chicago Bears' rookies – two of them becoming very rich men just in the nick of time.

Quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze became among the league's final first-round draft picks of 2024 to reach terms on their initial NFL contracts. This year's No. 1 overall pick out of USC, Williams, per reports, agreed a four-year pact worth a fully guaranteed $39.5 million ($25.5 million of it earmarked as a signing bonus) by slotting at the the top of the board. Widely projected as a generational prospect, he joins a roster much stronger than most top selections enjoy and could immediately restore Chicago to contending status.

Odunze, a University of Washington product chosen ninth overall, is expected to be one of Williams' top targets well into the future – though he may have to take a backseat to the likes of veteran wideouts DJ Moore and Keenan Allen and established tight end Cole Kmet in 2024. Odunze is guaranteed $22.7 million over the next four seasons.

As first-rounders, Williams and Odunze could be retained on balloon payment fifth-year options in 2028 assuming they've fulfilled expectations to that point but haven't yet signed extensions (both will be eligible for one in 2027).

NFL OFFSEASON GRADES: Bears break curve with only A+

All things Bears: Latest Chicago Bears news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Coming off a 7-10 season, Chicago is looking for its first playoff campaign since 2020 and first postseason win since the 2010 season but will have to successfully navigate a highly competitive NFC North to meet those objectives.

Bears veterans are set to report to camp Friday. Chicago is among the league's first teams to show up for work this summer since it will kick off the preseason Aug. 1 against the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair

Morgan Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, reduced from the th

It's Al Roker's 70th birthday, and he got this advice from Oprah Winfrey

Al Roker's birthday is Tuesday, and he's receiving some sage advice on turning 70 from an old friend

Christina Hall Seemingly Shades Her Exes in Birthday Message to Son Brayden

Christina Hall flipping out over her son Brayden.In fact, the Flip or Flop alum couldn't help but to