With the Chicago Bears rookies reporting to training camp, the team has signed wide receiver Rome Odunze to his four-year rookie contract, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Chicago selected Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. According to Pelissero, it’s a four-year, fully-guaranteed $22.7 million deal with a fifth-year option.
“Man, I don’t know where to start with that guy. First of all, a human being, what a great guy,” general manager Ryan Poles said of Odunze on draft night. “Work ethic, just blue collar in the way he goes about things. But as a receiver, he can line [up] anywhere: inside, outside. You love his ability to finish in contested situations. Plays strong, plays big, run-after-catch is very good. He’s a punt returner as well.
“I mean, the kid’s just put time in and he got better and better every single year and he’s a winner. He can impact the game at any moment. If you’re at quarterback, and you’re in doubt, you want to just go give a guy an opportunity to go finish, he’s your guy. He’s done that consistently.”
The #Bears agreed to terms with No. 9 overall pick Rome Odunze on his four-year, $22.7 million fully guaranteed rookie deal with a fifth-year option, per source. pic.twitter.com/bj7GXSrEp4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 16, 2024
Odunze was the third receiver selected in the draft, but he would’ve been the top wideout in any other draft. He joins a receiver room that features established veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and Odunze should be a favorite target for fellow rookie Caleb Williams. Odunze can now officially report for training camp, where the first practice is scheduled for Saturday.
With pen to paper, Odunze is the fourth member of Chicago’s five-player 2024 draft class to sign his rookie contract, joining offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie, punter Tory Taylor and defensive end Austin Booker. Williams remains the only player in their rookie class who’s unsigned, but the hope is a deal gets done soon.