Training camp begins Tuesday for Chicago Bears’ rookies, but No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is trending toward an unexcused absence.
Williams is unsigned and operating without an agent. He asserted that his team of lawyers and the Bears’ brass are working out the terms of his first NFL contract, but the NFLPA confirmed clubs cannot negotiate directly with third parties, including attorneys.
Typically, contracts for first-round picks are hammered out using basic framework established under terms of the collective bargaining agreement but the boilerplate deals aren’t always without tension. Contracts for each of the past three No. 1 picks — Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker of the Jaguars and Panthers quarterback Bryce Young — received fully guaranteed contracts.
Young signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $37.95 contract with Carolina last year.
Williams told the Chicago Tribune he’s not handling the contract talks with the Bears, but other reports indicate the former USC quarterback is the only person in contact with the front office.
“My lawyers and attorney and everybody, the head of the Bears, everybody up there up top is handling that. That’s not my position that I’m handling,” Williams said.
The NFL slotting system puts the No. 1 pick’s contract at $39.4 million over four years.
Rookies report Tuesday before veterans arrive on Friday and the first team workouts Saturday.
The Bears and Houston Texans are first into training camp as the chosen teams for the Pro Football Hall of Fame contest on Aug. 1.
Another Bears rookie, wide receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick, is also unsigned.
–Field Level Media
