Bears coach Ben Johnson backs Luther Burden for expanded role in 2026
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has signalled strong confidence in second-year wide receiver Luther Burden as the team prepares for the 2026 season. Burden is set to assume a significantly expanded role in the offence, a shift necessitated by the trade of primary target D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills and the departure of Olamide Zaccheaus to the Atlanta Falcons. Although Burden’s rookie campaign yielded modest volume stats—47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns—coaches have praised his high efficiency and explosive athleticism. Metrics indicate he ranked third in yards per route run and fifth in yards after catch among qualifying receivers. CBS Sports has projected Burden to record 72 catches for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns in the upcoming season.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has expressed strong confidence in second-year wide receiver Luther Burden, stating he is "buying Luther Burden stock" ahead of the 2026 season. Burden is poised to assume a larger role in the offence following the trade of D.J. Moore to Buffalo and the departure of Olamide Zaccheaus to Atlanta. Despite a modest rookie campaign with 47 receptions for 652 yards, Burden demonstrated high efficiency, ranking third in yards per route run and fifth in yards after catch among qualifying receivers. Coaches highlight his explosive athleticism and ability to generate big plays, with CBS Sports projecting 72 catches for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns for the 2026 season.
Johnson described Burden’s offseason approach as "electric," noting the receiver's rapid development. Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El echoed those sentiments, stating that Burden "kept getting better and kept getting better." Burden, who is listed at 6-feet tall and 210 pounds, is viewed as a key component of the Bears' offensive strategy moving forward.
During his rookie season, Burden averaged 2.71 yards per route run, ranking third-best among 152 wide receivers who ran at least 100 routes. He also averaged 7.2 yards after catch (YAC) per reception, ranking fifth-best among the same group. These metrics underscore the potential for sustained efficiency as he transitions from a rotational player to a primary option in the passing game.
Burden’s average target came just 7.67 yards downfield, ranking 132nd out of 153 receivers in the same group. Despite this, he recorded a successful reception on 58.3% of his plays and an explosive gain (15-plus yards) on 26.7% of them. He caught 9 of 12 passes thrown at least 15 yards downfield, racking up 309 yards and both of his scores on those throws.
CBS Sports Fantasy Football analyst Jamey Eisenberg is expecting big things from Burden. The projection of 72 catches for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns for the 2026 season reflects the high expectations placed on the second-year wide receiver as he steps into a more prominent role within the Bears' offence.
