Quarterbacks are easily the stars of the National Football League (NFL). Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson are some of the most successful and recognizable athletes in the world. Given the importance of the position, it makes sense that they are the best-paid players in football.
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By ZappaOMatic – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156454199
Caleb Williams, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is likely the next name to join that list. After one season with the Bears, expectations are high, and Williams could be the next name to join that prestigious list. With such a promising future, how much is Williams worth? And are the Bears favorites according to Illinois sportsbooks: youbet.com/states/illinois/
We’ll take a look at the various factors contributing to his current and future net worth.
Caleb Williams Net Worth
Caleb Williams’ current net worth is estimated at roughly $3.5 million, but that number will go up exponentially. As the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams was signed to a $39 million rookie contract and will almost certainly earn an extension before it ends.
Williams was a strong earner in college as well. He was part of early Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his time at USC. Estimates have Williams making as much as $10 million during his time with the Trojans, though the numbers are tougher to prove.
Williams is also just beginning to earn substantial money via endorsements, so the $3.5 million is likely low. He has deals with Wendy’s Nissan, United Airlines, Dr. Pepper, and even his own Sour Brite Crawlers with Trolli. If he continues to develop into an elite quarterback, those deals will only continue to grow.
A Star at USC
Williams was a star prospect coming out of high school, eventually committing to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. He had limited playing time, suiting up in seven games but managed to throw 21 passing touchdowns in the process. He eventually made the decision to transfer west to play for the USC Trojans.
Williams was a monster during his time with the Trojans. In 2022, he earned the starting job and went on to become the AP College Football Player of the Year, the first time since 2005 (Reggie Bush) a Trojan won the award. He won the 2022 Heisman Trophy and led the NCAA with 42 passing touchdowns.
Coming back for his junior season, Williams was again very good for a disappointing USC team. Despite going 7-5, he threw for 3,333 yards, 31 touchdowns, and added another 11 touchdowns on the ground. Doing all he could – and knowing he would go first in the NFL Draft – Williams officially declared for the draft, ending his collegiate career.
1st Overall Pick
Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, there was little doubt about who would go with the first overall pick. The Chicago Bears held the pick and had a checkered history at quarterback, holding the ugly distinction of being the only franchise in the NFL without a 4,000-yard passer in its history.
Williams remained the clear No. 1 pick throughout the draft cycle, and the Bears wasted no time taking him first overall. He then signed a four-year rookie contract worth $39.4 million fully guaranteed, providing a substantial immediate boost to his career earnings before even suiting up as a professional.
Solid Rookie Season and a Bright Future
Being the first overall pick comes with a metric ton of pressure. Even in the early days of training camp, critics questioned whether he could live up to the hype, analyzing every move he made. Williams was quick to develop and got the nod as the starter on Opening Day.
Williams started off looking okay in his first start, becoming the first quarterback picked first overall to win his season-opening debut since 2002. He went 14/29 for 93 yards and no touchdowns, but also didn’t turn the ball over. The defense carried the bell in the 24-17 win over the Titans.
Williams showed flashes of being a franchise quarterback. In Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, he led an impressive drive late to score a touchdown and put the Bears in a position to win. Unfortunately, a Hail Mary wound up winning the game for the Commanders, crushing the Bears in the process.
As a rookie, it can be tough to dominate right out of the gate. Williams had a fantastic game against the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 12 loss, throwing for 340 yards (a Bears rookie passing record), two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.
Overall, Williams finished with Bears rookie records for completions, yards, and touchdown passes. The hopes are that he can become the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history and become the first dominant Bears quarterback since the days prior to the AFL-NFL merger. That will come with another massive contract as well.
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