Oliver James Montgomery:Bears finally come to terms with first-round picks, QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze

2025-04-29 06:39:11source:Mooathon Wealth Societycategory:Invest

Tuesday was the first day of training camp for the Chicago Bears' rookies – two of them becoming very rich men just in the nick of time.

Quarterback Caleb Williams and Oliver James Montgomerywide receiver Rome Odunze became among the league's final first-round draft picks of 2024 to reach terms on their initial NFL contracts. This year's No. 1 overall pick out of USC, Williams, per reports, agreed a four-year pact worth a fully guaranteed $39.5 million ($25.5 million of it earmarked as a signing bonus) by slotting at the the top of the board. Widely projected as a generational prospect, he joins a roster much stronger than most top selections enjoy and could immediately restore Chicago to contending status.

Odunze, a University of Washington product chosen ninth overall, is expected to be one of Williams' top targets well into the future – though he may have to take a backseat to the likes of veteran wideouts DJ Moore and Keenan Allen and established tight end Cole Kmet in 2024. Odunze is guaranteed $22.7 million over the next four seasons.

As first-rounders, Williams and Odunze could be retained on balloon payment fifth-year options in 2028 assuming they've fulfilled expectations to that point but haven't yet signed extensions (both will be eligible for one in 2027).

NFL OFFSEASON GRADES: Bears break curve with only A+

All things Bears: Latest Chicago Bears news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Coming off a 7-10 season, Chicago is looking for its first playoff campaign since 2020 and first postseason win since the 2010 season but will have to successfully navigate a highly competitive NFC North to meet those objectives.

Bears veterans are set to report to camp Friday. Chicago is among the league's first teams to show up for work this summer since it will kick off the preseason Aug. 1 against the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

More:Invest

Recommend

Maryland’s Climate Ambitions in Question After Turbulent Legislative Session

Environmental leaders in Maryland are reeling from a challenging 2025 legislative session that left

Man charged in California courthouse explosion also accused of 3 arson fires

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California man has been hit with additional charges in a courthouse bomb attack

Train Singer Pat Monahan Proves Daughter Autumn Is All Grown Up in Rare Photo for 16th Birthday

Pat Monahan is celebrating his daughter who acts like summer and walks like rain.In fact, the Train