Chicago selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Bears fans have eagerly awaited July 16, the day Williams is expected to report to training camp with the rest of the rookies.
However, Williams won’t be at Halas Hall on Tuesday unless his representatives reach a contractual agreement with the Bears within the next 24-48 hours.
As Chicago aims to start a new era with Williams at quarterback, it would be unfortunate for the Bears to begin camp without him, but time is running out.
The first practice session of Chicago’s camp is scheduled for Saturday, July 20. Williams could potentially delay his arrival at Halas Hall until next week as negotiations continue and still make it to practice by Saturday if a deal is signed.
With a week remaining until the official start of camp, Williams was asked on Saturday about the status of contract negotiations by Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune, and Williams confirmed that he’s not involved in the process.
“I’m not handling that,” Williams said, according to Kane. “My lawyers, attorney, and the Bears’ upper management are handling that. It’s not my role.”
Williams is notably represented by a team led by his father, Carl Williams. Reports since draft night indicate that Williams’s team has sought various ways to adjust his rookie contract before signing, including attempts to acquire team equity from the Bears.
As these complex financial discussions continue, there’s no guarantee that Williams and Chicago’s No. 9 overall pick Rome Odunze (also unsigned) will be on the field when training camp starts.
