Caleb Williams made it through OTAs and minicamps without any concerns. Aside from a small handful of missed throws, he looked every bit like the #1 overall pick he is. The Chicago Bears are encouraged by his progress. Even the #1 defense has admitted the young quarterback is learning fast. He’s made some impressive throws throughout drills, showcasing his natural talent as a passer. Once he learns how to process defenses at a fast rate, his potential is limitless.
There is one lingering concern, though. Williams remains unsigned. He hasn’t inked his rookie contract yet. If he doesn’t by July 26th, he risks missing vital training camp practices. This wouldn’t be the first time the Bears have run into such problems. Cedric Benson held out for over a month. Roquan Smith didn’t sign until mid-August. This is a situation the team would like to avoid if possible. Thankfully, it sounds like talks are expected to pick up steam in the coming days, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
It makes sense the sides haven’t gotten down to business yet. Because Williams hasn’t hired an agent, he has to negotiate for himself. Delaying negotiations until the end of the voluntary offseason program has allowed him to remain locked in on football and learning coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense while adjusting to the professional level.
Williams has avoided being pulled in multiple directions, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the sides launch into contract talks next week after OTAs are completed for the rookie class.
At this juncture, there’s no reason for concern that the Bears won’t sign Williams before training camp opens, which will be a week earlier than usual because the team is playing in the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 1 in Canton, Ohio.
Caleb Williams understands how to budget his time.
The last thing he wanted was the contract issue distracting him during a pivotal month needed to learn the new offense. Now that the team is about to break for the summer, it frees up plenty of time to review the deal before signing it. While he doesn’t have an agent, his father basically fills that role. Carl Williams is known for being highly business savvy. It has been that way since his son started gaining traction in his football career. There is no question he was the one involved in negotiating NIL deals in college.
It is likely that he and the team of experts have spoken with the Bears about the language they want in the contract. From there, Caleb Williams will review everything before signing the dotted line. Last year’s #1 pick, Bryce Young, signed his deal on July 21st. Fans should expect a timeline similar to that for Williams. Until then, there is no sense losing sleep on the matter. GM Ryan Poles is known for handling these things well. His recent extensions for Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson are proof of that.
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@Tred the Bears are fine with Cap money. While you are right about this year, the Bears future cap is empty, meaning they don’t have a bunch of dead cap like we are used to having under Pace nor do the Bears have players with restructured contracts etc. They could sign whoever they want and back end the contract on the books etc. Bears are likely the cleanest team in the NFL right now when it comes to their cap situation. With that being said I still don’t see them spending big on an Edge player. For 1 there’s not… Read more »
But I was told, repeatedly, that there wouldn’t be a situation at all with his contract.
Jordan Sigler is reporting that the Bears are looking at bargain basement DE help because their cap situation is suddenly tight. About 22M or so left to sign this draft class, deal with in-season injuries, and pay for DE and possibly OL help.
That’s without extending Teven Jenkins, who like any NFL player entering his fourth season, would like to see a contract extension. This is where we’ll get a real idea of where Poles and the management see this team. It should be interesting.
Never expect perfection in this world.