Chicago Bears’ rookie garners ‘All-Breakout’ recognition

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 2:39 PM ET

The Chicago Bears, in some ways, arrived ahead of schedule in 2025.

Buoyed by Caleb Williams’ dramatic rise in his first year in head coach Ben Johnson’s system, and a defense that flew to the football on its way to leading the NFL in takeaways, Chicago finds itself two wins shy of a trip to the Super Bowl.

While contributions from Williams, dominant running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, improved offensive line play, and an opportunistic secondary have led the charge, the Bears have also gotten key contributions from several young players, who had the kind of seasons that could propel them into becoming household names.

Chicago Bears’ WR Jahdah Walker named to All-Rookie Team

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp Chicago Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker (20) catches the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

One of those players who showed flashes he is on the cusp of stardom, while making impact contributions for the Bears this season, was rookie wide receiver Jahdae Walker.

Veteran NFL writer Mike Tanier selected Walker as a member of his “All-Breakout Team” after his stellar season.

“He was the hero of the regular-season Packers comeback,” Tanier writes of Walker. “He was nearly the hero of the Week 18 Lions comeback, which did not quite happen. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson seem to trust him. But there was no room on the playoff roster for Walker once Rome Odunze got healthy. I am not sure where Walker fits for the Bears in 2025: Odunze and Luther Burden ain’t going anywhere, D.J. Moore has a chunky contract, and there are only so many footballs to go around. But Walker is gonna push for playing time in 2026.”

Walker capped his rookie season with six catches for 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns, despite a crowded collection of pass catchers that also includes rising rookie tight end Colston Loveland, and veteran Cole Kmet all competing for targets.

As Tanier points out, though, if the Bears revamp their receiving corps in 2026, Walker has flashed the ability to be a big piece of the puzzle in his second season, and beyond.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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