Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Breaking Down the Wide Receiver Room

Bears Star Receiver Rome Odunze (Credit: SI)

The Chicago Bears made it clear this offseason that the offense is entering a new era. After trading away former WR1 DJ Moore, Chicago completely reshaped its wide receiver room around youth, speed, and versatility. While losing Moore removes proven production, the Bears now have one of the NFL’s more intriguing young receiver groups heading into the 2026 season.

Rome Odunze - WR1

The centerpiece of the room is still Rome Odunze. Odunze continued to develop into a legitimate top option during the 2025 season, finishing with 48 receptions, 749 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. His chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams improved throughout the year, especially in contested-catch situations and red-zone opportunities, like in the Wild Card win vs Green Bay.

Entering training camp, the spotlight will be on whether Odunze can fully embrace the WR1 role following DJ Moore's departure. While he eclipsed 100 receiving yards in only two games last season, becoming a more consistent downfield threat will be the next step in his development. If he can turn those occasional breakout performances into regular production, Chicago's passing attack could reach another level in 2026.

Durability will also be a key storyline throughout camp. A foot injury sidelined Odunze for five games last season, making a healthy offseason and strong training camp essential for his continued growth. If he remains on the field and continues building chemistry with Williams under Ben Johnson, Odunze has all the tools to establish himself as one of the NFC's emerging No. 1 receivers.

Luther Burden III - WR2

One of Chicago's biggest X-factors this season could be Luther Burden III. The former second-round pick flashed major playmaking ability as a rookie in 2025, totaling 47 receptions for 652 yards and 2 touchdowns. Burden’s explosiveness after the catch immediately stood out, and many around the league expect a major Year 2 leap.

The biggest question surrounding Burden entering camp isn't his talent—it's whether he's ready for an expanded role. Early last season, Burden struggled to earn consistent playing time while adjusting to the complexities of the Bears' offensive system. As the year progressed, however, his confidence and understanding of the offense noticeably improved.

Training camp now presents Burden with the opportunity to prove he's ready to become a full-time starter. If he continues building chemistry with Caleb Williams and takes another step in his development, the Bears could have one of the NFL's most dangerous young receiving duos. And if Burden's progression outpaces Odunze's, he has the talent to push for the WR1 role.

Kalif Raymond - WR3

The Bears also added veteran speed and experience in free agency with Kalif Raymond. Raymond already has familiarity with head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive system from their time together with the Detroit Lions, making him an important addition after the Moore trade.

Last season, he put up 24 receptions with 289 yards and a touchdown, so he can be a serviceable receiving option. Beyond contributing as a receiver, Raymond brings proven return ability and veteran leadership to a very young offensive group.

Jahdae Walker - WR4

Walker may quietly be one of the most important names to watch entering training camp. The former undrafted rookie free agent earned more opportunities late last season and showed flashes of becoming a reliable rotational receiver.

Walker finished 2025 with 6 receptions, 87 yards, and 2 touchdowns, one of them being the famous game-tying touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. His size and physicality give Chicago a different style of receiver compared to the speed-focused options elsewhere in the room and he has shown that he is not afraid of the spotlight.

Zavion Thomas WR5/KR

Chicago then doubled down on explosiveness during the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Zavion Thomas in the third round out of LSU. Thomas ran a reported 4.28-second 40-yard dash and brings elite speed to the offense. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Thomas’ versatility and specifically mentioned how he complements Odunze, Burden, and Raymond within the offense.

In his last season at LSU, Thomas had 41 receptions, 488 yards, and 4 touchdowns, so he has shown promise and could take Jahdae Walker’s spot if Walker doesn’t have some form of a leap.

Overall Outlook for 2026

Chicago’s wide receiver room has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from reliance on a single star to a deep, versatile group featuring Odunze as the primary target, a dynamic playmaker in Burden, the wild card in Walker, the reliable veteran in Raymond, and the explosive rookie in Thomas.

While the departure of DJ Moore leaves questions regarding proven WR1 production, the unit’s long-term potential is undeniable, provided Caleb Williams continues his development in Year 3. Ultimately, the success of this speed-oriented offense hinges on Williams taking the next step under Ben Johnson’s system to unlock the full potential of these young weapons.