Bears player expected to be breakout wide receiver of 2026

The Chicago Bears have a bright future ahead of them, led by Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson. The 2025 NFC North Champions have one of the best young cores in the league.

The Bears are going into the 2026 NFL season with a refreshed young core and a solid foundation. Luther Burden III is only 22 years old, and he is expected to be a major contributor next season.

The 39th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft had a decent year last season for the Bears. The young wide receiver finished with 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games played.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Luther Burden III a breakout candidate for the Chicago Bears

After trading away DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, there’s some big shoes to fill for Burden. Rome Odunze is also one of Chicago’s wide receiver options that will need to live up to his potential.

Williams will have no shortage of targets as he enters his third season for the Bears. ESPN analyst and former NFL player Andrew Hawkins touts Burden to have a breakout season.

“I think he is going to be the breakout wide receiver of the 2026 NFL season,” Hawkins said. “… he runs great routes. I think he is going to turn into a true number one.”

Burden has the chance to be a focal point of the offense for the Bears next season. In 2025, Chicago was one of the best offensive teams in the league. Their offense was one of the reasons that they had their best finish since the 2018 season.

The 6-foot wide receiver is entering his second season in the league. With an impressive young quarterback in Williams, there is no question that Burden can contribute more.

On top of that, Coach Johnson is using this offseason to strengthen his squad. The Bears are expected to be one of the teams that can contend for the Super Bowl this season.