It wasn’t a matter of if, but when former USC Trojans QB Caleb Williams would sign his rookie deal with the Chicago Bears. That day has come.
Former USC Trojans QB Caleb Williams Cashes In
After an illustrious college career that saw magical plays on the gridiron, and a Heisman Trophy in 2022, Caleb Williams inks a 4-year $39.49 fully guaranteed deal that includes a $25.5 million signing bonus.
As has been stated on what seems like repeat, Williams is Lincoln Riley’s 3rd QB to be selected to the NFL with the first overall pick, after Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. When Mayfield signed his rookie deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 it was a fully guaranteed 4-year deal worth $32.68 million, per Over The Cap. The following year, Kyler Murray signed a fully guaranteed 4-year deal with the Cardinals worth $35.16 million, per Over The Cap.
Not that he needs any more ammo for quarterback recruiting, but this makes for a pretty easy sales pitch for Riley.
Related: Julian Lewis Reveals Why He Committed To USC Trojans
At USC you will live in Los Angeles, compete for championships, earn competitive NIL, and have a clear path to being the number 1 overall pick in the NFL where you will really cash in.
Former Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari was very open about his recruiting process. He obviously wanted to win NCAA Championships, but he made it very clear to recruits that if they wanted a clear path to the NBA, Kentucky was the place to play.
Football is a completely different animal, but this definitely adds to the pitch deck.
USC football commit Julian Lewis has been steadfast in his recruiting and his commitment to Riley and the Trojans. He has stated multiple times that his reason for choosing USC is due to Riley and his track record with quarterback development.
Williams, and his newly inked contract, is just another feather in the cap for Riley proving to all QB recruits, USC is the way.