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Bears Make NFL History With Groundbreaking Rookie Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 7:11 PM ET

Two second-round signings and a groundbreaking guarantee highlight a big week in Chicago.

This week felt like a breakthrough for the Chicago Bears. Two of their three second-round picks finally inked their deals, putting an end to a league-wide standoff over fully guaranteed contracts—something once unthinkable outside the first round. Chicago didn’t just get it done; they made history. And at the center of it all? One of the most exciting playmakers in the draft, now officially locked in for the future.

Two days after the Bears wrapped up agreements with offensive tackle Ozzy Tripilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner, the biggest news dropped: wide receiver Luther Burden III signed on the dotted line.

Adam Schefter broke the story, noting, ‘Chicago Bears reached agreement today with second-round pick WR Luther Burden III on a fully-guaranteed, $10.965 million contract, marking the first time in NFL history that the 39th pick has secured a fully-guaranteed deal, per the @WINSportsGroup.’

Chicago Bears reached agreement today with second-round pick WR Luther Burden III on a fully-guaranteed, $10.965 million contract, marking the first time in NFL history that the 39th pick has secured a fully-guaranteed deal, per the @WINSportsGroup. pic.twitter.com/NuMzmRo0IL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2025

Fans and analysts have been buzzing about Burden since draft night, calling him one of the steals of the entire class. A first-round talent who somehow slipped to 39, Burden dominated at Missouri during the 2023 season—racking up 86 catches, 1,212 yards, and 9 touchdowns.

Although his production dipped during his final year, the 2024 decline was largely tied to several factors: a quarterback injury, heavier defensive attention, and the broader offensive struggles that plagued Missouri in 2024. His highlight reel, shared by ImBearingDown on social media, is pure electricity—the kind of clip you watch twice.

#Bears Wide Receiver Luther Burden III 2023 Season Highlights. pic.twitter.com/CYJyTA7aOo
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) April 25, 2025

For Chicago, this is a big win. Burden missed all of OTAs while nursing a soft tissue injury, but now, with history made and the deal done, the Bears can finally unleash their newest weapon. If this offense needed a spark, it just got one.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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