Following a promising rookie season, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is primed for a breakout season in 2026, which would be key for the offense’s continued success as Chicago looks to maintain its place atop the NFC North.
Burden, in limited action, showcased his speed and playmaking ability in Chicago’s top-five offense. Last season, Burden totaled 47 catches on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, and following DJ Moore’s departure this offseason, he’s primed for a bigger role in Year 2.
Burden, a former second-round pick, showcased his impressive potential with head coach Ben Johnson last season, making him one of the better wideouts selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, according to Pro Football Network, Burden is a top three receiver among his draft mates, ranked only behind Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan and Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka.
Burden was a standout during offseason workouts, where his chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams continues to develop and he continues to earn the respect of his head coach, who is “buying Luther Burden stock” heading into 2026.
“He looks like he’s playing at a different speed right now,” Johnson added. “And you knew he had it in him. He’s a 4.4 guy, and yet, those time speeds don’t always translate to real speed, football speed, the game tape – and so I think we’re starting to see that now he’s playing, he’s not thinking as much, and he knows what we’re trying to do.”
While Burden is undoubtedly WR2 at this point, there’s a belief he could challenge teammate Rome Odunze for that top receiver role this season, especially if Burden unlocks his full potential with another year under Johnson. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burden rise even higher on the list of 2025 draft receivers.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Where Bears’ Luther Burden ranks among second-year receivers
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
