Is Caleb Williams About to Take Pay Cut?

It's probably stretching the truth to say Caleb Williams will take a pay cut entering the NFL according to figures in a report by The Athletic but not by much.

In today's economy no one can begrudge a student athlete making a few bucks.

What about $10 million?

That's how much The Athletic reported USC quarterback Caleb Williams made in NIL money.

NIL is name, image and likeness money or basically endorsements. College athletes were allowed to make such money starting in 2021 and a recent court ruling paves the way for what seems like an unlimited amount of NIL money to be paid out in the future.

Williams, who could be the first pick of the draft by the Bears, made about twice as much in NIL money as Justin Fields counted against the Bears salary cap last year.

Caleb Williams made $10 Million while at USC. This isn't your father's college football!

Report: Potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams made approximately $10 million in NIL deals at USC https://t.co/vztEv3YhlN via @YahooSports

— The Best Ball Junkie (@BestBallJunkie) February 29, 2024

In fact, according to Spotrac.com, the pay slot for the first pick in this year's draft is a little over $7 million in cap space. So technically, Fields is going to be taking a pay cut to play in the pros. 

No doubt he can make up for it with more sponsorship money. 

The Athletic report, quoting multiple sources, came up with the $10 million figure and one source told them: "It wasn't like having a college quarterback on your roster, it was like having an NFL starting quarterback on your roster."

While it's a great personal benefit, this is something that might add on more pressure to the rookie quarterback who could go to the Bears with the draft's first pick.

It would be tough enough for Williams to step into the Bears locker room as a rookie leader and be given the job Fields had, considering how much respect the veterans all seemed to have for their QB.

Here’s what I would say Caleb Williams’ legitimate red flags are:

- size
- willingness (not ability) to play within structure
- holding onto the ball/taking sacks

And then a secret fourth one that isn’t so much a red flag and more just something to consider: he is an NIL…

— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) February 28, 2024

But to do it after you've already made $10 million in cash on NIL money could naturally lead to some veteran jealousy. Some veteran players might wonder why he should get all of that cash, not to mention getting Fields' position as the team leader.

Fortunately for Williams and for the Bears, it would seem he has shown an ability to lead a team in the past.

"Amazing leadership," USC defensive lineman Solomon Byrd said at the combine about his college teammate. "He was able to talk to everyone in the locker room."

Where would Caleb Williams have played if he didn’t get $10 million NIL money for two seasons at USC?

At least kids now have a reason to stay in school longer.

— Rebecca Grant (@rebeccagrants) February 28, 2024

Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven