The Chicago Bears enjoyed what appeared to be a breakout 2025 campaign from wide receiver Rome Odunze before a late-season injury halted the pass catcher's progress.
It must be stated that Odunze suffered a foot fracture, which he played through in an attempt to help Chicago make a Super Bowl run. However, the choice to play shone a negative light on a player who disappointed during his rookie season and was unable to deliver on the biggest stage in Sunday night's loss. The receiver's struggles weren't well-received by a frustrated fan base.
Included among the criticism was former NFL player Clay Harbor, noting, "Rome had 4 targets tonight and 3 drops. Some tough catches, but he has to be a big-time WR and make those."
This is a sentiment Chicago fans can't help but agree with after Odunze was drafted ninth overall and has been given every chance to become the team's premier receiver. Instead, Odunze finished 40th in yardage in the regular season and had four drops heading into Sunday's action.
Caleb Williams badly needs a playmaker he could consistently rely on at the receiver position. Instead, Odunze seemed rattled by the moment and was unable to make plays when given the opportunity. While some fans might be quick to point to the injury, it is the receiver's foot that is injured, not his hands. There are no excuses for the drops in a moment of this magnitude.
Rome Odunze Frustrates Bears, Letting Chicago Down in Season's Biggest Moments
If Odunze were struggling to find space or to outrun defenders, it would be easier to assign blame to the injury. Instead, fans are left questioning why Odunze was worth a top-10 selection or wondering why Luther Burden wasn't featured more consistently in favor of the less reliable Odunze. These are both fair questions that are supported by the pass catcher's declining performance and the other pieces Chicago could've added in his place.
Looking back at the 2024 draft, Brock Bowers, Quinyon Mitchell, Jared Verse, Ladd McConkey, and Brian Thomas Jr. were all still on the board when Odunze was selected. All players with far better resumes than a pass catcher who was unable to deliver when it mattered most.
Luckily, the Bears are heading into the 2026 season with Burden, DJ Moore, and Colston Loveland all under contract as featured weapons. There are clear options the franchise must feature to force Odunze to prove the past two seasons are an outlier and that he isn't the draft frustration he appears to be. A question that Chicago fans are going to have a long offseason ahead to debate after what was a disheartening end to what had been a magical 2025 season.