Luther Burden III
Wide Receiver
Luther Burden III News
Luther Burden III Slow to Get Up After Goal-Line Hit
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III was slow to get up after taking a hit from linebacker Devin Bush near the goal line late in Tuesday's practice, according to Brad Biggs. The contact came from behind on a fourth-down pass during a two-minute period, and Burden walked off the field slowly under his own power. No injury or follow-up evaluation has been reported, so his status should be treated as uncertain rather than assuming he avoided an issue. Burden caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie while adding 37 yards on six carries. He enters his second season as one of Chicago's key receiving options alongside Rome Odunze. The next update from the Bears, or Burden's participation in the next practice, should provide a better idea of whether the hit will cost him any time.
Aug 4, 2026 9:20 AM EST
Luther Burden III the "Clear Front-Runner to be WR1"
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III had a few tough catches down the sideline during training camp practice on Monday and is the "clear front-runner to be the WR1" for the Bears this year, according to 247 Sports. The Burden "hype is real." Burden has been the most popular second-year breakout candidate in fantasy circles pretty much all offseason after he came on strong late last year for the Bears. It's a no-brainer because Chicago traded away veteran receiver DJ Moore in the offseason, giving Burden a clear path to more targets and a sizeable role in the passing game in an ascending Bears offense under head coach Ben Johnson. The 22-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Missouri caught 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts) in 2025 as a rookie and has done nothing but draw praise from the coaching staff all offseason. The hype has gotten out, so don't expect Burden to come cheap as a WR2 with upside in upcoming fantasy football drafts. RotoBaller has Burden ranked as the No. 21 fantasy WR for 2026.
Aug 3, 2026 9:10 AM EST
Ben Johnson Compares Luther Burden III to St. Brown
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III has been one of the most dramatic risers throughout the 2026 draft season, and the recent comparison made by his head coach Ben Johnson will do nothing to slow the momentum. In an interview with Cassie Carlson of Fox 32, Johnson compared Burden's mindset to those of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jarvis Landry, two receivers he spent time with in Detroit and Miami. Johnson had remarked earlier in the offseason that Burden is destined to become one of the top receivers in the NFL, and when asked to expand, the second-year head coach linked him to two players with nine Pro Bowl selections between them, saying, "He's got that competitive edge and desire to be great. It's carried over into the spring and summer as well. He's been a regular in the building, working with our strength staff. He wants to be the most conditioned player on the team. Wants to be one of the strongest receivers on the team and just continues to soak in all the knowledge." Burden is RotoBaller's WR21, but he has the clear belief of his coach and a ceiling to emerge as a fantasy WR1 in his second season.
Aug 3, 2026 5:41 AM EST
Luther Burden III Poised to Take a Year Two Jump
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has been heavily involved in all aspects of the team's passing offense through the early days of training camp, and offensive coordinator Press Taylor spoke to reporters on Thursday about the growth of the dynamic second-year player. "You saw in the spring, he was one of those guys where you really saw the skill set flourish. Now he's not thinking quite as much. He's able to just go out, react, play." Since the Bears traded veteran receiver DJ Moore to the Bills in March, offseason narratives have focused on how targets will be divvied up between a young group of pass catchers featuring Burden, Rome Odunze, and tight end Colston Loveland. Now, through the first practices of camp, Burden's involvement has stood out, and a big second season could be on the way for RotoBaller's WR21.
Jul 31, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Luther Burden III Peppered with Targets During Day 1 of Training Camp
On a per-route basis, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III was one of the league's most efficient players as a rookie in 2025, and reports from Day 1 of training camp indicate he's picked up right where he left off, though now seeing heavy volume. Burden was moved across the formation and reportedly looked crisp in his route running while drawing target after target. In trading away veteran DJ Moore, the Bears created a vacuum most likely to be filled by Burden and third-year receiver Rome Odunze, and although a single, non-padded practice in July will not define Chicago's pass-catching hierarchy for the 2026 season, Burden looks to have earned an early edge. The competition for first-read looks from quarterback Caleb Williams will be one to monitor throughout the summer, but Burden is currently RotoBaller's WR21, a full 12 positional spots ahead of Odunze.
Jul 30, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Luther Burden III Receiving Praise From his Quarterback
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams praised second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III on the Up & Adams Show on Monday, saying that "he makes the first guy miss every time." Williams also said that Burden "catches everything" and is a "friendly receiver." The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) last year out of the University of Missouri started slow in his rookie campaign but became more involved in head coach Ben Johnson's offense down the stretch, ultimately finishing with 47 receptions on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts). Burden is one of the most popular Year 2 breakout receivers in fantasy football going into the 2026 season, especially since DJ Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills in the offseason. Johnson has also been praising Burden for his offseason work, saying that he's "buying Burden stock right now" and that he's been "really happy with him." Burden will cost a pretty penny in fantasy drafts because of all the second-year hype, but he might be worth every penny in an ascending Bears offense. RotoBaller has Burden ranked as the No. 21 overall fantasy WR for 2026.
Jul 27, 2026 9:32 AM EST
Luther Burden III Has WR2 Breakout Appeal
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III did not need long to show what could happen once the offense gave him more room. After a quiet start to his rookie season, Burden averaged 4.3 catches and 60.1 receiving yards over his final eight games. He finished with 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets, including an eight-catch, 138-yard performance late in the year. The efficiency was harder to ignore. Burden averaged 2.7 yards per route run, third among NFL receivers, and ranked fourth at the position with 7.4 yards after the catch per reception. DJ Moore is gone, and Chicago now views Burden and Rome Odunze as trusted targets for Caleb Williams. Colston Loveland remains a major part of the passing game, but Burden's role should grow after Ben Johnson praised his offseason, explosiveness, and expanding route tree. RotoBaller ranks him WR21 in PPR leagues. The second-year receiver already showed he can make a lot happen on limited volume. More routes and targets give him a legitimate chance to break out as a weekly WR2.
Jul 26, 2026 10:32 AM EST
Luther Burden III has Clear Breakout Potential in Year 2
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III is one of the most clear breakout candidates at his position in 2026, according to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. "I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," head coach Ben Johnson said back in May. Johnson called Burden's growth this offseason "electric." The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri took off in the second half as a rookie, posting 40 catches, 547 yards and a touchdown in his final 10 games, including the postseason. Burden is carrying increased confidence, heightened trust from Johnson, and improved chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. "He's the truth, man. And nothing but the truth," tight end Colston Loveland said. Burden had a total line of 47 catches, 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts) as a rookie, but with DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Burden could easily become Chicago's WR1 over Rome Odunze in 2026. Fantasy managers should be looking to draft Burden as a strong WR2 this year with upside for more in a Bears offense that's looking to take the next step in Johnson's second season running the show.
Jul 14, 2026 10:17 AM EST
Luther Burden III Remains a Dynasty Buy Candidate Amidst Growing Hype
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets across 15 games (five starts). The 22-year-old's production took off down the stretch of the season, as he averaged five catches for 71 yards on six targets over his final five games played. Entering 2026, Burden III should see an even larger role in the Bears' passing game following the team's offseason trade of wideout DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Burden III also drew rave reviews from onlookers during OTAs, while fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze (foot) expressed that the foot issues that plagued him in 2025 may linger into 2026 and beyond. Although Burden III's dynasty stock is rising, dynasty managers may still have a chance to buy in on him before a potential superstar breakout in 2026.
Jun 28, 2026 11:36 AM EST
Luther Burden III Looking Like a True WR1 in OTAs With Bears
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III appears to be the one ready to step up after Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. According to former NFL tight end Clay Harbor, Burden is "doing everything you'd think a No. 1 receiver would do" during OTAs this offseason. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri looks bigger and faster and is playing both inside and outside in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Johnson even said himself last week that he's "buying Burden stock right now." He finished his rookie year as a real weapon in Chicago's offense, catching 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts). Former first-rounder Rome Odunze remains in town, but he may never be the same after heel issues that could continue to be a concern for him. Burden looks like the real deal and is quickly becoming one of the top breakout candidates at the receiver position in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 19 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Jun 4, 2026 5:33 PM EST
Ben Johnson Suggests Buying Stock in Luther Burden III
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has generated plenty of buzz this offseason. Not only are fantasy managers getting excited about the young receiver, but Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed optimism, too. "I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," Johnson said. "He's been extremely coachable." Burden was arguably the most dependable Bears receiver in 2025, especially during the second half of the season. He caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, and he played so well that the Bears felt compelled to trade DJ Moore this offseason. Now, Burden and Rome Odunze are competing to be the top receiver in a Bears offense that is trending up very quickly. Burden has the potential to be Caleb Williams' top target, giving him top-24 upside in fantasy football. Between being a potential Year 2 breakout and drawing praise from Johnson, Burden is a glaring trade target for fantasy managers in dynasty leagues.
May 28, 2026 9:40 AM EST
Luther Burden III Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III got off to a slow start to his rookie season in 2025, recording just 13 catches in his first seven NFL games. However, the 22-year-old closed the year on a tear, hauling in 21 receptions for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. This offseason, the Bears have added veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond in free agency and LSU wideout Zavion Thomas with a third-round pick in the 2026 Draft. However, Chicago also traded away veteran wideout DJ Moore. All in all, Burden III looks to be in a prime position to enter 2026 as the Bears' WR2 alongside Rome Odunze. Burden III has proven to be a big-play threat with the ball in his hands, and he has the benefit of playing in a Chicago offense that should only be ascending with the promising quarterback/play-caller combination of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson in place for the long haul. In dynasty formats, Burden III looks like a potential breakout candidate heading into 2026.
Apr 28, 2026 8:37 AM EST
Bears Want to Continue to Get the Ball to Luther Burden III
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that wide receiver Luther Burden III will be a big part of the team's passing attack heading into his second year in the NFL, according to CHGO Bears. "[Luther] is exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year...this guy loves football. If you took football away from him, I don't know what he would want to do with himself," Johnson said. Especially since the Bears traded receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Burden will be a popular breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026 as he heads into his sophomore campaign. The 22-year-old former second-rounder out of Missouri started slow last year but finished with 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets in 15 regular-season starts. Target volume could be an issue with Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland also being involved, but Burden will be a focal point for explosive plays in Chicago's offense going forward. His dynasty/keeper value is rising by the day.
Apr 5, 2026 8:06 AM EST
Luther Burden III Ascending Into Major Role on Offense?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III had a very strong 2025 season, wasting no time making his presence felt as a rookie. Burden finished the campaign with 47 catches, 652 yards, and two touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR48 in PPR leagues. He really started to turn the corner during the final stretch of the season. Across his final four games in 2025, he totaled 11 catches, 324 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the overall WR16 in fantasy football during that span. Burden's big year allowed the Bears to feel so comfortable about their receiver room that they traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Therefore, there is a clear path to producivity for both Burden and Rome Odunze. The former represents a very appealing WR3/flex option in redraft leagues, and he has an even higher ceiling in dynasty formats. Managers are unlikely to budge on their current asking price for Burden, but it doesn't hurt to still send out trade offers for the receiver.
Mar 24, 2026 9:26 PM EST
Luther Burden III's Stock Will Continue to Rise
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III finished his rookie season on a tear that had him widely regarded as a Year 2 breakout candidate, and following the team's trade of DJ Moore to the Bills, his stock will only continue to rise. Burden's 2.69 yards per route run led all rookies in 2025 and trailed only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba among all the league's receivers. Among his own team, however, he was unable to carve out a significant role, with four Chicago players topping the 650-yard mark, while none could crack 750. With Moore's 80 targets, 682 yards, and six touchdowns now being shipped to Buffalo, Burden, Rome Odunze, and tight end Colston Loveland should all see significant production spikes in 2026.
Mar 5, 2026 7:46 AM EST
Luther Burden III Stock Rising After Strong Close to 2025
Across 15 games as a rookie in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. It took a while for the 22-year-old to earn consistent playing time, which held down his season-long numbers. However, Burden III finished the season on a bit of a tear. Over his last five regular-season contests, Burden III hauled in 25 catches for 357 yards and a touchdown on 30 targets. It's worth noting that Bears wideout Rome Odunze missed four of those five games due to a foot injury, which helped direct more targets towards Burden III. Beyond Burden III and Odunze, the Bears also have additional capable pass-catchers in veteran wideout D.J. Moore and tight end Colston Loveland, so the competition for target share in Chicago is fierce. Still, Burden III flashed explosive upside when given the opportunity in his first NFL campaign, and he projects as a key piece in Chicago's long-term offensive plans. In dynasty formats, Burden III's fantasy stock is trending upward based on his strong close to the 2025 season.
Feb 16, 2026 6:11 AM EST
Luther Burden III in Line for 2026 Breakout?
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. While the 22-year-old's full-season numbers may not jump off the page, he closed his rookie season on a strong note. Across his final seven games, including postseason play, Burden III hauled in 31 catches for 423 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. In that same seven-game stretch, Burden III earned at least six targets in every game but one. Heading into 2026, Burden III could be poised to hit the ground running as one of the featured pieces in the Chicago passing game. It's worth noting that the Bears have other talented pass-catchers in wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, as well as tight end Colston Loveland, who are also worthy target-earners. Still, Burden III's late-season breakout demonstrates his upside. He profiles as a wide receiver option on the rise for fantasy managers in both dynasty and redraft leagues.
Jan 27, 2026 12:10 PM EST
Luther Burden III Set to Explode Against Rams?
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III hauled in three of seven targets for 42 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Despite the wild victory over the division-rival Packers, Burden struggled, posting his worst statistical game since Week 13 and stopping on a route that led to an interception. The second-round pick has become a key part of the Bears' passing game, and he has an opportunity to explode in the Divisional Round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has struggled as of late, allowing big games to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Wilson, and Jalen Coker in the last six weeks. Burden is a high-ceiling option at the wide receiver position who could be a game-changer in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Jan 15, 2026 10:50 AM EST
Luther Burden III Remains a High-Upside Wide Receiver Option in the Wild Card Round
Across 15 games in 2025, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets. The 22-year-old played his best football of the year down the stretch, recording 21 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. However, all four of those performances came with fellow Bears wideout Rome Odunze sidelined by a foot injury. Odunze will return for the team's Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which could lead to fewer opportunities for Burden III. The Packers were also one of the NFL's better pass defenses in the regular season, ranking sixth in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.4). However, Burden III's explosive upside is difficult to overlook. Entering the postseason, Burden III profiles as the most attractive wide receiver option on the Bears roster for fantasy managers in playoff leagues.
Jan 10, 2026 12:59 PM EST
Luther Burden III's Value on the Rise Heading into Playoffs
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III finished his rookie season with 47 catches (60 targets) for 652 yards and two touchdowns while adding six carries for 37 yards in 15 games. Burden posted an elite 2.71 yards per route run, which only trails Odell Beckham Jr. among rookie wideouts since 2013. The rookie second-rounder caught at least three balls in his final eight games and had his best game of the season in Week 17 at San Francisco with 138 yards and a touchdown. The Missouri product has seen his opportunities increase with Rome Odunze (foot) sidelined for the past five games with a stress fracture in his foot, and Odunze's potential return in the Wild-Card round could limit Burden's fantasy appeal. However, Burden looks like a future star and should be viewed as a high-upside WR2 on Saturday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers.
Jan 6, 2026 12:12 PM EST
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