The Chicago Bears' moving on from wide receiver DJ Moore created some questions regarding the passing game. Naturally, fans are looking in Rome Odunze's direction and expect the former ninth overall pick to take a leap in 2026, especially after his late-season performance left much to be desired.
Meanwhile, second-year WR Luther Burden III is another playmaker who head coach Ben Johnson has high hopes for.
Moore's departure has opened the door for Burden to get more opportunities. Johnson isn't hiding that's what he wants to get the ball into his hands a ton in 2026, judging by comments made during the NFL League Meetings on Monday:
""(Luther is) exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year. This guy is a dynamic playmaker. He's got some of the best run-after-the-catch in the game right now. I really believe that. We've got to continue to get the ball in his hands as often as we possibly can."Ben Johnson, Bears HC
Johnson added, "What I've grown to love about him is this guy loves football. He's been in all offseason. He's been lifting weights with our strength staff. He's really, really excited to get a full offseason going and look to develop a bigger route tree."
The Bears' bench boss didn't hide his excitement, and Moore's exit from Chicago is already working in favor of Burden's 2026 outlook.
Luther Burden's Outlook Is Soaring Post-Moore Trade
The Bears' passing attack spread the ball around in 2025, with five players getting at least 60 targets. And while he was getting used to the speed of the NFL, Burden certainly flashed. He had 47 catches for 652 receiving yards and two touchdowns. After a slow start to the year, you saw the 22-year-old get featured more in the game plan.
From Week 11 through the rest of the season, including playoffs, Burden saw five-plus targets in eight games. Caleb Williams was looking his way, and Johnson made sure to call up plays that could get the ball in his hands.
Now that Moore is gone, the Bears will need to find a way to replace his 85 targets, and you can believe that Burden will get a nice chunk of those.
During his time at Missouri, Burden was a big-time playmaker. In 38 games, he finished with 192 catches, 2,263 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. One of his strengths entering the league was his ability to be dynamic in open space and generate big plays after the catch. Look for the Bears to lean into these skills next season.
Assuming that Burden and Odunze continue to develop in the right direction, there's plenty to love about the Bears' passing attack next season. Jahdae Walker is looking to take that next step, while free-agent addition Kalif Raymond's history with Johnson could help him hit the ground running.
That's without mentioning how Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet are one of the best tight end tandems in the NFL.
The Bears moved on from Moore because of their faith in Burden, and Johnson didn't hold back his eagerness about him going into his sophomore season. Now, it's time for the 2025 draft's 39th overall pick to prove to his coaches and teammates that their belief in him is well-warranted.