Chicago Bears 2026 breakout candidate to watch identified by NFL analyst

The Chicago Bears are coming off of a successful 2025 NFL season, and are hoping that 2026 will be even better. A year ago, Chicago went 11-6, won the NFC North, and advanced to the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. Obviously, they are hoping for their young roster to continue to improve and take even more steps towards Super Bowl contention.

Over the course of the off-season, Chicago made several important transactions to not only improve their roster, but to open up more opportunities for the younger players at different position groups. This was certainly the case when the Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Now, the younger pass catchers on their roster will not have to compete with the long-time veteran for valuable targets.

Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III named team’s breakout player for 2026 NFL season

In a recent article posted by The Athletic, Luther Burden III, one of the players that will benefit the most from Moore no longer being on the roster, was chosen as the team’s breakout player for the 2026 NFL season:

“’I’m buying Luther Burden stock right now.’ That was the heartfelt endorsement offered in May by the visionary of the Bears’ offense, Ben Johnson, who referred to the receiver’s spring growth as ‘electric.’ As a rookie, Burden came alive down the stretch, posting 40 catches, 547 yards and a touchdown, including playoffs, over his final 10 games.

“Now, he has increased confidence, heightened trust from his play caller (Johnson), growing chemistry with his quarterback (Caleb Williams) and continued praise from his teammates. Said tight end Colston Loveland, a fellow Year 2 breakout candidate: ‘He’s the truth, man. And nothing but the truth.’”

As a rookie last year, Burden played 15 games and had 47 receptions for 652 years and two touchdowns. With Moore no longer on the roster, and Rome Odunze dealing with injuries, Burden could very well the Bears’ WR1 by the time the season starts. If that is the case, his breakout year could be among one of the best for a wide receiver in the entire league.

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