Do the Chicago Bears Have Enough at Wide Receiver for 2026?
In 2025, the Chicago Bears had one of their best offenses in recent history. The team averaged the sixth most yards per game. Additionally, they scored about 26 points per game, ranking ninth in the league. While many expected Ben Johnson to improve the offense, few anticipated such rapid progress. However, after a key departure, their offense is set to look different next season.
Chicago started their offseason by trading veteran receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills. This move was not much of a surprise, as the 28-year-old did not meet expectations in 2025. He only recorded 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns. The Bears were also in desperate need of cap space as they looked to rebuild their defense. The emergence of the younger pass catchers made it easier to justify the move. Despite the young talent, there remain plenty of questions surrounding the receiver room.
Currently, Chicago has three receivers who saw meaningful playing time last season returning for 2026. Rome Odunze will enter his third year and will be the most experienced of the three. The former first-round pick showed potential but struggled with drops throughout the season. He totaled 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns. The 23-year-old has strong chemistry with Caleb Williams, which should help solidify his status as the team's top receiver for 2026.
The other two returning options are both coming off their rookie seasons. Luther Burden had a slow start to the season, but exploded near the end of the year. His speed and athleticism made him a dangerous downfield threat for the offense. The former second-round pick recorded 47 catches, 652 yards, and two touchdowns. The numbers may not look outstanding, but they set a good starting point for the likely second option in the pass game.
Jahdae Walker joined the team this past year as an undrafted free agent. Due to the talent at the position, he did not see much playing time. The 23-year-old had six catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns came at a critical time, as it sent the Week 16 matchup with the Green Bay Packers into overtime, where Chicago ended up winning the game. If he can progress, then he could turn into a solid third or fourth receiver. His growth is an important storyline to follow, as he looks to compete with newcomer Kalif Raymond for the final starting spot.
Raymond signed a one-year deal with the Bears after spending five years with the Lions. While he may not be the flashiest option, there is still excitement about what he could offer the team. During his time in Detroit, he spent time with Johnson, who was the offensive coordinator at the time. This brings familiarity with the system, which allows him to fit in well. His veteran presence is helpful for a team full of young talent. Raymond also brings in speed and could serve as a solid downfield threat, which the Bears lack besides Burden.
Even with the departure of Moore, there are real reasons for optimism surrounding the receiver heading into 2026. Odunze now steps into a clear top role with valuable experience under his belt, and his continued development alongside Williams should elevate the passing game. Burden’s late-season surge shows that he may be ready for a breakout year, giving Chicago a dynamic playmaker who can stretch defenses. The combination of Walker and Raymond adds solid depth behind those two. It may not hurt to add another option, just to ensure the production does not decrease too much from last season. If this group continues to progress and build chemistry, the Bears’ receiver room has the potential to be deeper, faster, and more reliable than it was a year ago.
