As Bears camp nears, a contract standoff with rookies Burden, Trapilo & Turner looms. Will they sign in time as experts warn of a 'bumpy' road for Caleb Williams?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The countdown to Bears training camp is on, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Halas Hall. With rookies set to report on July 19, the team's top three draft picks from the second round—receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner—remain unsigned, creating a nerve-wracking standoff over guaranteed money just as a prominent voice cautions fans to brace for a 'bumpy' ride for Caleb Williams.
It's gonna take more time.
The main drama centers on the Bears' trio of second-round selections. Luther Burden, Ozzy Trapilo, and Shemar Turner are all expected to compete for significant roles immediately, but a league-wide trend of early second-rounders seeking fully guaranteed contracts has created a hold-up. For Turner, who nervously dodged potential prank calls on draft day just to get the official word from Chicago, the current wait is likely just as tense. The Bears need these players in camp and on the field, with Burden projected as a major weapon, Trapilo battling for the starting left tackle job, and Turner adding crucial depth to the defensive line. The pressure is on to get these deals finalized before the weekend.
While the front office handles contracts, external expectations for the offense are being carefully managed. Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum went on ESPN's 'Get Up' to predict a 'bumpy' sophomore season for Caleb Williams under new coach Ben Johnson. While praising Johnson's detailed approach and the Bears' massive offensive upgrades—including tight end Colston Loveland and linemen Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Thuney—Tannenbaum stressed patience. 'It's gonna take more time,' he said, pointing to Williams' adjustment to a new system and taking more snaps under center. While he believes Williams will improve, it's a sobering reminder that even with a loaded supporting cast, growth isn't always linear.
One of those key new weapons, tight end Colston Loveland, gave a cautious but optimistic update on his shoulder rehab. Speaking at his football camp, Loveland said, 'It’s been good. There haven’t really been live bullets flying yet. We’ll really know in camp once I get out there.' His health will be critical for the offense's success. Meanwhile, the rumor mill continues to churn, with 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings' name being floated as a potential trade target. If San Francisco makes him available, he could be an intriguing, physical option for a Bears team looking to surround its young quarterback with as much talent as possible.
All eyes are now on the front office to get the rookie deals done before the July 19 report date. The start of training camp will provide the first real answers: Are the rookies signed and ready? How sharp does Caleb Williams look in Ben Johnson's new system? And just how healthy is new tight end Colston Loveland? The 'bumpy' road might begin now, but for Bears fans, the journey to the 2025 season is finally about to get real.
