Quarterback Caleb Williams, first pick in the 2024 draft, has not yet signed his debut contract.
He’s not worried about the situation, at least not yet.
“I’m not dealing with it,” Williams said at his Caleb Cares Hero Awards event on Saturday, via Colleen Kane of Chicago Tribune. “My lawyers and attorneys and everyone, the head of the Bears, everyone up there is taking care of this. That’s not my position I’m dealing with.”
The reality is that since Williams doesn’t have an NFLPA-certified agent, he’s technically the one who should be handling this. His lawyers are not authorized, per NFL Players Association regulations, to negotiate on his behalf with the Bears.
In previous situations like this, the NFLPA has not seemed bothered by the reality that this happens. The league has, in certain specific cases, reminded teams not to negotiate with anyone other than the player when the player does not have an NFLPA-certified agent.
Regardless of who is or isn’t conducting the negotiations, there isn’t much to say. Dollars are set. As explained previously, the main questions for haggling are: (1) signing bonus payment schedule; (2) events that will void remaining warranties; and (3) whether the team will receive compensation for any guaranteed money if/when the player is cut and signs with a new team.
Five first-round picks were unsigned. The Bears have two of them — Williams and receiver Rome Odunze, the ninth overall pick in the draft. And the Bears rookies report in just two days.
