USC Football: Caleb Williams’ 2024 NFL Decision Isn’t As Obvious As It May Seem
After what was the hardest season in his College Football Career, USC quarterback Caleb Williams is still unsure of what his decision will be for the upcoming NFL Draft.
In a story published by The Los Angeles Times about Williams's 2023 CFB season, it was reported that it will be "a game-time decision" on whether he will forgo his senior year at USC and enter the NFL Draft.
"Caleb told The Times it’s still “a game-time decision” whether he declares for the NFL. The deadline for his decision is Jan. 15."
Per Ryan Kartje of The Los Angeles Times.
It's no secret that Williams should be selected as the number one pick in this year's draft. The only question that remains is whether he will actually enter.
Earlier this season, Williams's father Carl Williams told GQ Magazine that he and his son would consider all their options for this year's draft and could potentially come back to USC for one more year of CFB.
In today's era of CFB, where student-athletes are signed to NIL deals, the eagerness to play in the NFL is not what it once was.
Players have more leverage than ever and very well should consider all options before entering the draft.
As of right now, Williams is projected to be the number-one pick this year. The Chicago Bears currently hold the number one pick.
Just three years ago, the Bears drafted Justin Fields 11th overall. Fields has only started in two seasons for them and looks nothing like the quarterback we saw at Ohio State from 2019-2020.
It has been since 1988 that the Bears had a franchise quarterback in Jim McMahon. Since then, the closest thing to that has been Rex Grossman and Jay Cutler.
Considering the regression of Fields and the Bears' inability to develop a franchise quarterback, Williams could think of the long haul of his career and return back to USC and try the NFL Draft next season.
If Williams and his dad are serious about considering all their options then the possibility of him coming back to USC would be very real.
This season, Williams made $2.6 million in endorsements and was even featured in many NCAA commercials like Dr. Pepper and Wendy's that were aired throughout the season.
In 2021, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the number one pick. That year, Lawrence had a base salary of $660 thousand and a signing bonus of around $6 million.
Coming into next year, money should not be an issue for Williams as he would likely receive more NIL money.
Another thing that could factor into his decision to come back to USC is how much he loves playing for the Trojans and how much he cares.
Countless times over last season, Williams showed his emotions on and off the field all year long.
Whether it was him crying on his mother's shoulders after a devastating loss at home against Washington in week 10 or running on the field to thank fans for everything over the last two years after the UCLA game in week 12, Williams is proud to be a Trojan.
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