Caleb Williams may have gotten $39 million guaranteed with his four-year rookie deal with the Chicago Bears, but the No. 1 NFL Draft pick did not get everything he wanted.
As reported by Pro Football Talk, the Bears declined Williams' request to promise never to use the franchise tag on him.
It's not unheard of: Veteran stars, such as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, have similar language in their contracts.
What is unusual is to have a rookie request such a concession. Of course, Williams is not your typical rookie: The Washington DC native doesn't even have an NFLPA-certified agent, and has instead left negotiations to his attorneys.
By denying Williams this guarantee, the Bears retain leverage for 2028, when he can become a restricted free agent, as well as the 2029 offseason, when he can hit the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Wide receiver Rome Odunze also signed his rookie deal, worth a reported
In Chicago, he has two veteran playmaking receivers in DJ Moore and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, in addition to Odunze, who starred at Washington.
Odunze played four seasons with the Huskies and was an All-American last year when he led the nation with a school-record 1,640 yards. Washington advanced to the national championship game, losing to Michigan. Odunze had 3,272 yards receiving and 24 touchdown receptions in his college career.
Bears rookies were due to report for training camp on Tuesday, with veterans arriving on Friday. The first practice is Saturday.
Chicago has just three playoff appearances since the 2006 team reached the Super Bowl, and failed to advance in the postseason twice in that span. The Bears are 10-24 in two seasons under general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. But they see themselves as a playoff contender after going from three wins in 2022 to finishing 7-10 last season.
