Chicago Bears Still Haven’t Signed Either 2nd-Round Pick Ahead of 2025 Training Camp — Cause for Concern or Business as Usual?
As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Training Camp begins, there’s an elephant in the room for the Chicago Bears — and it’s wearing #TBD. Despite an offseason filled with bold moves, excitement around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and a fanbase riding high on optimism, one critical issue remains unresolved: the Bears have yet to sign either of their second-round draft picks.
This delay has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. While top-of-the-draft signings can occasionally take time, second-round deals are typically much more straightforward. Yet here we are, just weeks away from camp, and both picks remain unsigned.
Who Are the Bears Waiting On?
The Bears selected two key players in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft — one to solidify the trenches, and another to elevate the speed and explosiveness on the outside. (Insert names here once available: e.g., Edge rusher John Doe from Michigan and WR Speedy Smith from Texas A&M.) Both were heralded as value picks and immediate contributors.
What’s Causing the Delay?
There are a few possible factors in play:
- Contract Structure & Guarantees
Second-round contracts don’t come with the fifth-year option of first-rounders, so negotiating guaranteed money and offset language often becomes a sticking point. Agents push for maximum security, while front offices aim to maintain flexibility. It’s a delicate dance. - Slot Value Negotiations
Unlike first-round picks, where deals are tightly slotted, there’s more wiggle room in the second round. That means teams and agents often haggle over signing bonuses, incentives, and language — sometimes dragging out the process. - Roster Depth & Leverage
The Bears may feel comfortable waiting it out, believing they hold the leverage, especially if the rookies aren’t expected to start Day 1. But that can backfire quickly if the standoff bleeds into camp and slows development.
Should Bears Fans Be Worried?
It depends on your outlook.
If you’re the glass-half-full type, you might say this is just business as usual. Plenty of rookie deals come down to the wire. Ryan Poles and the front office have been methodical and measured with contracts — and it’s worked well so far.
But for fans eager to see a young, fast-developing core gel during camp, any delay can be frustrating. Rookies missing reps in July can easily become depth-chart footnotes in September.
The Bottom Line
The Bears are on the brink of a pivotal season. With a new franchise QB under center and a talented rookie class in the wings, every rep, every install, every day counts. The clock is ticking, and it’s time to get these second-rounders locked in.
Bears fans should keep a close eye on Halas Hall. Because while hope is high this offseason, small delays like these can snowball quickly — and nobody wants to start the 2025 campaign with a distraction.