Earlier this offseason, one of the NFL's young wide receivers received a massive endorsement from his head coach. Chicago Bears receiver Luther Burden III enters his second season after a generally successful rookie campaign, but head coach Ben Johnson expects him to take an even bigger step forward.
Johnson is not the only one expecting a breakout. In ESPN's breakdown of players poised for a breakout on each team, Burden headlined the Bears' list.
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"Burden was largely a screen-and-shot player to start the 2025 season, but he started to get more opportunities on crossers and underneath routes as coach Ben Johnson grew to trust him with the ball in his hands. With DJ Moore gone and Rome Odunze working back from a foot injury, the door is wide open for Burden to grab more targets — targets designed especially for him as a terrifying yards-after-catch threat. The sky is the limit here," ESPN reported.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) 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