Should the Bears Worry About Their Star Wide Receiver?

There’s plenty of positive energy in Chicago following one of the Bears’ most successful seasons in a decade. Quarterback Caleb Williams came into his own this year, taking a significant leap from his rookie season by throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 passing touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland led the team in receiving yards with 714 while adding six touchdowns. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai was a dominant force in the rushing attack, totaling 783 yards and five touchdowns despite being a seventh-round draft pick. Unfortunately, one sore spot in an otherwise positive season was the production of wide receiver Rome Odunze.

Entering his sophomore year, Odunze carried high expectations after finishing his rookie campaign with 734 receiving yards and three touchdowns as the Bears’ second option behind D.J. Moore. The former Washington Husky began the season strong, scoring at least one touchdown in each of the first four games and totaling five over that stretch. After that impressive opening run, where he was producing some of the best numbers in the league, Odunze began to struggle and fell back into a secondary role. A lingering injury late in the season caused him to miss the final stretch of games. He finished the year with 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns, failing to make the same leap as his quarterback. His chemistry with Williams also faltered in the playoffs, highlighted by a costly drop in the Divisional Round that would have resulted in a touchdown but instead preceded an interception a few plays later. While disappointing, Bears fans should not hit the panic button just yet.

Odunze was expected to improve on last season, but he was never projected to surpass Moore as the team’s top receiver so quickly. His touchdown total still increased, and missed games due to injury limited his overall production. Had he remained healthy, he likely would have surpassed his yardage total from the previous season. The Bears aren’t totally sure about the future of Moore, which may force Odunze into the top receiver next season and take a big leap. He proved at the beginning of this season that he’s more than capable of looking like their top target. Now entering the offseason, Odunze will have time to fully heal and prepare to return healthier next year. He will also benefit from a second season in the same offensive system, with head coach Ben Johnson already emphasizing continuity. While the season ended with some frustration, Bears fans have reason to remain optimistic about Odunze’s trajectory and his potential to take a meaningful step forward next season.