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New York Post
Caleb Williams made unusual request in Bears contract talks
By Bradley Locker,
5 hours ago
The NFL’s top overall draft pick apparently had an unconventional wish for his first contract.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk , quarterback Caleb Williams requested for the Chicago Bears to agree to not place the franchise tag on him when his rookie contract ends.
However, the Bears reportedly refused to make that promise.
Caleb Williams asked the Bears for contractual assurance never previously given to a rookie. AP
Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Williams agreed to a four-year, $39 million contract that’s fully guaranteed and includes the standard fifth-year option.
Florio reported Wednesday afternoon that the terms have not been entirely completed, in part because of this ongoing dispute.
As Florio noted, no NFL rookie has ever been given a no-franchise guarantee, although Williams wanted to try to push the issue.
Whether through not hiring an NFLPA-approved agent or supposedly requesting a stake in team ownership, the former USC quarterback and NIL groundbreaker developed a reputation for being forward-thinking during the pre-draft process.
Williams was one of two players selected in the top 10 of this year’s draft who hadn’t yet signed, joining fellow NFC North gunslinger J.J. McCarthy.
Williams represents a new generation of athletes with different approaches to negotiations. AP
Other first-rounders who aren’t currently under contract include Vikings edge rusher Dallas Turner and Bengals tackle Amarius Mims.
Given that players often view the franchise tag as controlling and even unfair, it’s easy to understand why Williams sought to avoid it when he could cash in on a more lucrative and/or longer-term contract.
This offseason, standouts Tee Higgins, Jaylon Johnson, L’Jarius Sneed, Antoine Winfield Jr., Kyle Dugger, Justin Madubuike and Michael Pittman Jr. were all tagged following the conclusion of their rookie deals, with all but Higgins receiving significantly larger payouts.
Recent quarterbacks to be tagged after their first deals include Lamar Jackson (2023) and Dak Prescott (2020).
Dak Prescott has been the victim of a franchise tag saga. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
The earliest Williams could theoretically be tagged is 2028, should the Bears not accept his fifth-year option.
The 2024 franchise tag for quarterbacks was worth $38.3 million this offseason, a salary which would have ranked sixth at the position in terms of 2024 cap numbers.
If the tag were to be used on Williams in 2029, for instance, that number would likely be even closer to $50 million.
The league’s favorite for Rookie of the Year returned to Halas Hall on Tuesday, with full Bears training camp set to begin Friday.
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