Bears camp opens for the 2024 season with coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams, but contract holdouts for top draft picks threaten early momentum (July 2025).
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads are popping, the whistle is blowing, and a new brand of Chicago Bears football is officially underway. Wednesday marked the opening of the first training camp under head coach Ben Johnson, bringing a wave of offensive innovation and palpable energy to Halas Hall. But as the team works to install its new identity around quarterback Caleb Williams, a significant cloud looms: three of their top draft picks remain unsigned, threatening to stall the momentum before it truly begins.
Despite the league-wide contract dispute, top rookie wideout Luther Burden III returned to practice and began taking reps with the offense.
Forget the predictable schemes of the past. Ben Johnson's arrival signals a seismic shift. Early practices have heavily emphasized what made him a star coordinator in Detroit: a dominant rushing attack complemented by heavy play-action and dizzying pre-snap motion. Reports from Halas Hall describe 'back-to-back' strong days for the offense, with the revamped line creating lanes and the system beginning to click for Caleb Williams. This isn't just a new playbook; it's a new philosophy designed to make life easier for the rookie QB and establish a physical identity the Bears have sorely missed.
While the on-field product is promising, the front office is dealing with a major headache. A league-wide dispute over guaranteed money for second-round picks has left the Bears in a precarious position. Wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner are all without contracts. This isn't just a depth issue; all three are expected to push for starting roles immediately. The situation is uncomfortably reminiscent of Roquan Smith's 2018 holdout, a delay that impacted his readiness for Week 1. The Bears need these building blocks on the field, not on the sidelines.
In a welcome piece of good news, the most crucial of the unsigned rookies is at least back on the grass. After being sidelined by a soft tissue injury from minicamp, WR Luther Burden III returned to team drills this week. Despite the ongoing negotiations, he reportedly looked sharp, providing a much-needed target for Caleb Williams. His presence is vital as the quarterback-receiver chemistry is paramount in Johnson's complex offense. It’s a sign of good faith from the player, but the Bears need to get the ink dry to fully unlock his potential.
Beyond the contract drama, fierce competitions are defining the early days of camp. At left tackle, incumbent Braxton Jones is fighting to hold off rookie Ozzy Trapilo, though Trapilo's unsigned status complicates that battle. On defense, the spot opposite Jaylon Johnson is up for grabs, with Tyrique Stevenson trying to fend off challenges from Terell Smith and fellow rookie Zah Frazier. Meanwhile, an unexpected name is making waves: undrafted receiver JP Richardson. His efficiency and versatility have caught the coaches' eyes, proving that even with big names dominating the headlines, a roster spot can be earned by anyone.
The pieces are in place for a transformative season in Chicago. Ben Johnson's vision is clear, Caleb Williams has the talent, and there's a palpable buzz of optimism, even if Vegas has them at +450 odds to win the NFC North. But first things first: the front office must resolve the rookie contract standoff. Getting Burden, Trapilo, and Turner signed and fully integrated is the most critical hurdle. All eyes will now be on the front office's next move as the team prepares for its first real test in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
