Here’s why Bears fans can’t buy Caleb Williams jerseys (for now)

Caleb Williams is one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in NFL draft history. And come Thursday night, the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite is a virtual lock (so much so that you can barely make any money betting on the decision) to become the next quarterback of the Chicago Bears — a franchise that hasn’t had a superstar offensive signal-caller in decades.

It’s a match made in heaven and a moment Bears fans have been waiting their entire lives for. Unfortunately, anyone so excited about the Williams pick that they want to buy his Chicago jersey right away might have to wait until some finer details are ironed out.

After ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that projected top-5 pick Marvin Harrison Jr. has not yet signed his preliminary NFLPA licensing agreement –in effect meaning his jersey on his eventual team won’t be available until he signs it — President of BreakingT (and For The Win founder) Jamie Mottram revealed that Williams has also not signed his licensing deal.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has yet to sign a preliminary NFLPA licensing agreement that all draftees typically sign, which would allow his name and likeness to be monetized after he is picked tonight and before his NFL contract is signed, per sources. His jersey will not be available…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2024

Caleb, too.

— Jamie Mottram (@JamieMottram) April 25, 2024

That, of course, means Bears fans unfortunately can’t get their hands on Williams’ name in that glorious navy and orange uniform until the young man signs on the dotted line. Welp.

It’s admittedly not the worst news per se when you’re getting a great quarterback prospect. Still, I imagine the Bears and their fans will be chomping at the bit to ensure Williams’ jersey will be available online very soon.