With the 2024 draft class in full swing, there are only five players from round one remaining unsigned. These players come from three different teams: Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner, and Bengals tackle Amarius Mims, who was picked 18th overall.
Despite the limited topics for negotiation under the 2011 CBA, there are still three main categories that can be discussed when signing these contracts. These include signing bonus cash flow, voiding of guarantees, and guarantee offsets.
Players typically want their signing bonus paid upfront, while teams may try to defer some of the payment. Both sides also negotiate terms around voiding of guarantees, with players wanting to limit the team’s ability to un-guarantee the money. Additionally, guarantee offsets may be a topic of discussion, as players prefer to be able to earn money elsewhere if released.
However, there is no reason for these remaining draft picks to delay signing their contracts any longer. It is important for players to secure their deals before participating in offseason programs to ensure they have full protection against any potential injuries. Teams are increasingly getting deals done quickly to provide players with the security they need before heading into the offseason.
