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Bears’ Top Rookies Still Unsigned as Agent Power Moves Trigger Chain Reaction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 11:04 AM ET

As NFL teams prepare for training camp, a specific group of second-round rookies appears to be at the center of a growing contract standoff—one that has the potential to lead to unexpected delays in signings. The Chicago Bears, like many franchises, find themselves in a holding pattern with several top draft picks. While there’s still time before the July 22 signing deadline, the lack of progress in signing rookie deals has raised eyebrows. With more than half the second-round class unsigned, agents appear to be drawing a new line in the sand.

According to NBC Sports, 30 of the 40 unsigned rookies come from the second round. That includes three of the Bears’ most anticipated newcomers: offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner. Each is expected to contribute right away, making their absence from the roster all the more notable. What’s stalling the process?

As Bears on CHSN pointed out, the Texans and Browns became the first teams to sign second-round picks to fully guaranteed contracts—an unprecedented move that appears to be shifting the market and slowing negotiations across the league.

Veteran columnist David Haugh weighed in, saying:

‘The guaranteed complicates things which is why the Bears have yet to sign any of those guys, and depending on the player, you do wonder how much that will factor in on how quickly they get to camp.’

Former Eagles tight end and current NFL analyst Clay Harbor echoed that sentiment, adding:

‘The NFL is the only professional sports league where you can sign a contract, unless it’s in writing, it’s not guaranteed… I think it’s good for these players to start trending towards guaranteed contracts especially higher up in the draft board.’

The Bears’ 2nd round picks remain unsigned. What could this mean for the future of the NFL? @DavidHaugh | @ruthiepolinsky | @clayharbs82 | #BigPFBShow pic.twitter.com/vxP0VewRby
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) June 12, 2025

With the deadline more than a month away, there’s technically no rush—but the tension is undeniable. For the Bears, the situation is even more pressing in the case of Luther Burden III. The standout wide receiver has been sidelined since rookie minicamp in early May due to injury, and any further delay in joining the team for training camp could stunt his development.

Head coach Ben Johnson has already expressed concern over the valuable time Burden has missed while nursing that injury—time that can’t be recovered.

All eyes are now on whether this trend will delay rookie appearances at training camp—and whether the Bears will blink first in this league-wide standoff.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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