Former USC quarterback signs four-year deal with Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears signed both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze to rookie contracts ahead of training camp on Tuesday.

Former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, signed his first-round rookie contract with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams signed a four-year deal worth $39.4 million, including a $25.5 million signing bonus. The contract is fully guaranteed and contains a fifth-year option in 2028.

Chicago also signed fellow first round pick Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington, who was picked ninth overall and inked a four-year deal worth $22.7 million and $13.3 million guaranteed.

Both Williams and Odunze were among the last five rookies to sign contracts, and did so just a few days before training camp begins.

Williams won the Heisman in 2022, throwing 42 touchdowns to just five interceptions, and while he wasn’t quite as good in 2023 he still completed over 68% of his passes for the Trojans. He will look to take over a Chicago franchise that has struggled mightily to find consistent play under center, replacing Justin Fields who was taken in the first round in 2021.

Odunze racked up 1,640 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior for the Huskies last season, and alongside Williams should form a dynamic duo in the Windy City for at least the next few years.