John Fox not worried Mitch Trubisky hasn't signed Bears contract yet

John Fox not worried Mitch Trubisky hasn’t signed Bears contract yet

By Patrick Finley

The Bears drafted Mitch Trubisky No. 2 overall. (AP)

Mitch Trubisky broke minicamp Thursday without a contract.

However, Bears coach John Fox said he was “not really” concerned that the No. 2 overall pick hasn’t signed his rookie deal yet. He expects Trubisky will do so before the Bears report to training camp July 26.

“In today’s climate — as opposed to, say, 10 years ago — it’s completely different,” Fox said after ending the final mandatory minicamp practice after only a few minutes. “I know there was a holdout a year ago, but I don’t expect to see any of that this year.”

Rookie salaries are fairly standardized under the current collective bargaining agreement. Trubisky figures to receive a bit more than last year’s No. 2 overall pick, quarterback Carson Wentz, who signed a $26.7 million deal with the Eagles with $26.2 million guaranteed. All first-round picks receive a four-year contract with a fifth-year team option.

Trubisky’s contract isn’t a distraction yet, but it could become one if it remains unsigned a month from now. Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa held out for 31 days last year because of quibbling over offset language, which dictates how much money a team owes a player if they cut him and he signs elsewhere.

Offset language has become a point of contention in recent years. Trubisky’s agents, Bruce and Ryan Tollner, negotiated offset language for Wentz and the previous No. 2 overall pick, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, who didn’t sign his deal until eight days before the start of training camp in 2015. Wentz reportedly agreed to wording before the 2016 draft.

Trubisky has participated in all offseason activities, saying earlier this month that he’d let others worry about his contract.

“My agent and the Bears organization are going to handle that,” he said.

After receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Martellus Bennett stayed away from OTAs the last two seasons, Fox took pride in full participation this spring.

“I think it’s important to [the rookies],” Fox said. “They’re the guys that play between the lines, so you know that’s definitely important. I feel good about the vibe they have and the rela-tionships they’re starting to build already. And for a younger team, it’s great.”

Trubisky is one of three top-five picks yet to sign, along with 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (No. 3) and Titans receiver Corey Davis (No. 5).

Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com