Bears rookie scores historic win in contract negotiations and helps the entire team avoid a massive training camp headache
The offseason of second-round pick drama in the NFL is officially over for the Chicago Bears, one day before rookies report back to team facilities for training camp.On Thursday, the Bears agreed to terms with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive lineman Shemar Turner, but we were still waiting on the official news for pick […]
The offseason of second-round pick drama in the NFL is officially over for the Chicago Bears, one day before rookies report back to team facilities for training camp.
On Thursday, the Bears agreed to terms with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive lineman Shemar Turner, but we were still waiting on the official news for pick wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Burden was the team's first selection in the second-round, taken with the 39th overall pick, and it's easy to see why this deal took a little longer to finally come together.
Burden and the Bears on a fully-guaranteed, $10.965 million contract, marking the first time in NFL history that the 39th pick has secured a fully-guaranteed deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a massive win for Burden setting an unprecedented milestone for all future second-round draft picks and it seemed like it was headed this way all day.
Minutes before it was announced, Miami Dolphins' 37th overall pick Jonah Savaiinaea signed a fully guaranteed deal, pushing the door wide open for Burden's representation to get this official.
Luther Burden III hopefully is now ready for training camp
Getting this deal pushed across the finish line sets a difficult precedent for the team's front office when it comes to future rookie contracts, but it was critical to get Burden on the field for training camp and avoid missing any time due to a holdout situation.
Burden is expected to have a sizable role in Ben Johnson's offense working out of the slot and mixing in behind the team's top two wide receivers.
It's bad enough Burden had to miss OTAs and minicamp due to a soft tissue injury, something his head coach didn't exactly seem pleased about.
"He misses a lot," head coach Ben Johnson said. "Anytime you're not out there, if you're in the training room when the rest of the guys are practicing, you're losing valuable time. Valuable time with the coaches, valuable reps with your teammates, the ability to build the trust that we're talking about."
Recent photos showed Burden with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and others during an Under Armor photoshoot in workout clothes, so one could hope Burden is hopefully ready to go physically when the Bears start training camp.
Having all three second-round picks on the field and avoiding any potential holdouts is a big deal for the entire organization. Now, everyone can get back to work during camp next week and continue building toward the 2025 season.
