Chicago Bears receiver not named Luther Burden earns breakout label before 2026 season

All offseason, Chicago Bears fans have heard the hype surrounding wide receiver Luther Burden. Because of it, Rome Odunze has taken a bit of a back seat.

But no one has forgotten what the wide receiver brings to the table. The Bears certainly haven’t. And as Marc Silverman of Shaw Local watched Chicago’s training camp, it became clear to him that Odunze has real breakout potential.

“Rome Odunze is flying under the radar. Fans have raved about Luther Burden, Colston Loveland, Zavion Thomas and others, but Odunze had a spectacular camp,” Silverman wrote. “The foot looks completely healthy, and Odunze is playing fast. I’m expecting a breakout season.”

With the Bears trading DJ Moore away to the Buffalo Bills, they have put more responsibilities into Odunze’s hands. They wouldn’t make that trade if they didn’t feel he was up to the task. From what Silverman has seen so far, Odunze seems poised to take another step forward in head coach Ben Johnson’s offense.

Chicago Bears’ Rome Odunze entering pivotal season

Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears — Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Through his first two years with the Bears, Odunze has caught 98 passes for 1,395 yards and nine touchdowns. His receptions and yardage dropped in 2025, but he also appeared in five fewer games. Odunze still managed to set a new career-high with six touchdowns.

The wide receiver’s absence was due to a lingering foot injury. Now entering 2026, Odunze seems to be past his injury. Chicago will still be paying close attention to his foot throughout the season.

Fully healthy though, all the pieces are in place for Odunze to succeed. He is playing in Johnson’s offense with an ascending quarterback in Caleb Williams. He is in line for more targets after Moore’s departure. Now, it’s up to Odunze to follow through on his strong training camp and prove exactly why he should be considered the Bears’ WR1.

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