The Chicago Bears are one week away from rookies reporting for training camp. Excitement is building. Everything seems to be in place. Ben Johnson and his coaching staff are already earning rave reviews for their tough, disciplined approach. Caleb Williams is showing signs of serious progress, while the revamped offensive line seems ready and eager to get started. Unfortunately, there is always a but coming in these situations. Despite no serious concerns with the roster itself, one issue remains unresolved.
In recent weeks, it's been well documented that the NFL and several player agents are locked in a bitter contract dispute. The dispute centers on the desire for players selected in the second round, who have lower contract numbers than the first round, to get their deals fully guaranteed. The NFL, which was recently caught in a collusion case for conspiring to prevent such contracts, has resisted. Thus, a standoff remains ongoing. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, there is no end in sight.
This development especially threatens the Chicago Bears.
They have the most to lose because they selected three players in the second round: Luther Burden, Ozzy Trapilo, and Shemar Turner. Burden is already behind on practice time because of a soft tissue injury in the spring. Trapilo is in the middle of competing for the starting left tackle spot. Turner is a key part of the team's defensive line plans. Not having any of them ready to go when camp begins would be a huge setback for the Chicago Bears.
It is hard to know which side wins this. The players understandably want more guarantees, giving themselves security against injuries. However, holding out like this is incredibly dangerous for rookies because they face a steep learning curve. Second round picks don't get nearly the same preferential treatment as first rounders. Their hopes of playing at all this season will drop significantly with each training camp practice they miss. This is a game of who blinks first.
