Current:Home > FinanceEchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center|Bears finally come to terms with first-round picks, QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze -AssetScope
EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center|Bears finally come to terms with first-round picks, QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-08 06:17:08
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 EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Centerwide 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.
veryGood! (17)
Related
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Legal fight continues with appeals over proposed immigration initiative for Arizona Nov. 5 ballot
- One teen is killed and eight others are wounded in shooting at Milwaukee park party, police say
- Utah death row inmate who is imprisoned for 1998 murder asks parole board for mercy ahead of hearing
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Powerball winning numbers for July 20 drawing: Jackpot now worth $102 million
- The 10 biggest Paris Olympics questions answered, from Opening Ceremony to stars to watch
- Miss Kansas Alexis Smith, domestic abuse survivor, shares story behind viral video
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- LeBron James is named one of Team USA's flag bearers for Opening Ceremony
Ranking
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- CrowdStrike says more machines fixed as customers, regulators await details on what caused meltdown
- VP Kamala Harris salutes national champion college athletes at White House
- John Harbaugh says Lamar Jackson will go down as 'greatest quarterback' in NFL history
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Judge Orders Oil and Gas Leases in Wyoming to Proceed After Updated BLM Environmental Analysis
- Mark Hamill praises Joe Biden after dropping reelection bid: 'Thank you for your service'
- Miss Kansas Alexis Smith, domestic abuse survivor, shares story behind viral video
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Everything you need to know about Katie Ledecky, the superstar American swimmer
Billy Joel on the 'magic' and 'crazy crowds' of Madison Square Garden ahead of final show
Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez won’t play in MLS All-Star Game due to injury
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
'A brave act': Americans react to President Biden's historic decision
San Antonio church leaders train to serve as mental health counselors
Olivia Rodrigo flaunts her sass, sensitivity as GUTS tour returns to the US