Luther Burden III stat puts him in superstar company. Will he become one?

The Chicago Bears made some impressive strides during the 2025 season. Chicago almost made the NFC Championship during Ben Johnson’s inaugural season. One Bears playmaker could be in for a breakout campaign later this fall.

ESPN’s Ben Solak previewed multiple second-year players ahead of the 2026 NFL season. He pointed out Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III as one player with superstar potential.

Burden had one incredible stat from his rookie season that put him alongside some truly elite company.

“Burden and [Colston] Loveland were so productive down the stretch that their rookie seasons stand among rarefied company. Burden averaged 2.92 yards per route run during the regular season. That’s tied with A.J. Brown for the best mark for a rookie receiver (minimum 50 targets) in the past 15 years. Just below Burden and Brown are Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., Puka Nacua and Ja’Marr Chase.”

The rookie managed 47 receptions for 652 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Burden did not receive the same volume of targets as some of the players listed above. But there is no question that Burden was an efficient player as a rookie when given the opportunity.

Burden could have even more opportunities to succeed with DJ Moore out of the picture. It appears that Burden, Loveland, and Rome Odunze will form the backbone of Chicago’s receiving group this fall. He will almost certainly get a bigger slice of the pie.

Solak warned that Loveland may end up being the primary target for the Bears instead of Burden. Perhaps developing his route tree and eliminating penalties could increase Burden’s role on offense.

Either way, Bears fans have to be excited to see what Johnson’s offense will look like during his second season at head coach.

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