Bears’ Ben Johnson hyping young star’s stock to moon

The Chicago Bears have a bright future in the wide receiver room, making sure that quarterback Caleb Williams has plenty of weapons heading into Year 3. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are going to have monster seasons in 2026. In fact, head coach and playcaller Ben Johnson is hyping up Burden III after an impressive rookie season.

“Ben Johnson: ‘I’m buying Luther Burden stock right now. He’s been extremely coachable.” Quote via Brad Biggs.

The Missouri product can produce in any role. Burden III played in 15 games in his rookie year and caught 47 passes (60 targets) for 652 yards and two touchdowns. Burden III had 27 first downs and had an explosive 65-yard play, proving to be an impactful player. He even carried the ball six times for 37 yards for a 6.2 yards per attempt, gaining three first downs.

Burden III is also one of the Bears’ primary returners. In a new kickoff setup that actually favors the returners a tad more than in previous years, Burden III took eight kick returns out for 223 total yards, with a long of 44. Not only is he making plays on the field offensively, but he’s also set his offense up for better success prior to the drive. It’s not shocking to see why Ben Johnson is loving his second-year player right now.

Burden III is primed for a massive second year with the Bears. He really is one of those potential breakout stars because Williams is forming into a very good QB in the NFC. The Bears are going to compete for the playoffs once again. If you are a fantasy football fanatic, then Burden III must be on your radar.