Important Domino Falls as Bears Gear Up for Training Camp
The Chicago Bears have signed second round defensive tackle Shemar Turner to a four-year rookie contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Turner, selected 62nd overall out of Texas A&M, adds a disruptive presence to the Bears defensive front. His deal is projected at $7.2M over four years, though full terms were not disclosed. But this is a crucial domino that has fallen for the Bears.
What’s Next?
Turner’s signing is encouraging progress amid a league-wide slowdown in second-round contracts. The Bears still have two unsigned second rounders—wide receiver Luther Burden III (No. 39 overall) and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (No. 56 overall)—with training camp quickly approaching. Rookies report to Halas Hall on July 19, and practices begin July 23.
The hold up stems from early second-round picks Carson Schwesinger (Browns) and Jayden Higgins (Texans) receiving fully guaranteed contracts, setting a new precedent and triggering a standoff as agents push for similar terms. That stalemate is beginning to break, with 49ers Alfred Collins signing on July 16 and Ravens expected to complete a deal with pass rusher Mike Green (No. 59 overall) today.
Burden, one of the top receivers in the draft, is reportedly seeking strong guarantees. Trapilo, who’s in the mix for the starting left tackle job, risks falling behind if his deal isn’t done soon. The Bears, who had a league-high three second-round picks, are counting on all of them to contribute immediately.
GM Ryan Poles now faces pressure to get Burden and Trapilo signed to make sure a full, competitive rookie group is on the field for what could be a dynamic training camp . With only 28 second-round picks still unsigned across the league, momentum is building—and Chicago is looking to follow suit.