30 most important Bears of 2026: Luther Burden III (No. 8)

USA TODAY Touchdown Wire · Jul 21, 2026 21:41 · 3 min read

Most Important Bears of 2026: Luther Burden III

Our Most Important Bears of 2026 series continues with Luther Burden III, who's poised for a breakout season in Year 2.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.

The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 8 is wide receiver Luther Burden III, who's poised for a breakout season in Year 2. Following the departure of DJ Moore this offseason, Burden will see an extended role on offense and could prove to be one of Chicago's most dangerous playmakers.

Background

Position: Wide receiver

Age: 22

Experience: 2nd season

2026 cap hit: $2.49 million

2025 recap

The Bears didn't go into the 2025 NFL Draft looking to select a wide receiver. But when Luther Burden III was there in the second round, they couldn't pass up on his talent, and it's already payed off for Chicago. While it took Burden some time to get going as a rookie, amid an abundance of talent on offense, he showcased himself as a dangerous downfield weapon in just one year with head coach Ben Johnson. Burden totaled 47 catches on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his impressive potential and making him one of the better wideouts selected in his draft class. While he was far from perfect, Burden flashed his impressive speed and ability to make defenders miss in open space, and it's clear the future is bright for the young wideout.

Importance in 2026

Coming off an encouraging rookie season, there are high expectations for Burden in Year 2, and many have pegged him as a candidate for a breakout season. Burden is the reason why the Bears were able to trade DJ Moore, land a second-round pick and free up $16.5 million in salary cap space. Burden showcased his potential in his first season, and he'll be thrust into a bigger role on offense with Moore's departure. He'll be, at worst, the No. 2 receiver on offense, and he'll draw more focus in his sophomore season. Chicago's offense was a top 10 unit last season, and they'll be dependent on Burden to take a step forward in his development in an expanded role.

Big Question: Will Burden emerge as the Bears' top receiver?

Many are expecting Burden to have a breakout outing in his sophomore year, but there's also a belief that he could establish himself as the Bears' top wideout by season's end. 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. Rome Odunze, a former first-round pick, is the projected WR1, but he has yet to prove himself in two seasons, leaving the door open for Burden to pass him up on the depth chart. If Burden continues to soar, and Odunze struggles, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the second-round pick emerge as the top guy at receiver.