It's Time to Buy Luther Burden Stock, Says Bears Coach Ben Johnson

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson expressed strong confidence in Luther Burden III, citing multiple explosive plays. The offseason has opened playing time for Burden after Moore was traded to Buffalo and Zaccheaus left in free agency. Additional wide receiver additions include Kalif Raymond and rookie Zavion Thomas, neither expected to seriously challenge Burden’s role. Burden’s rookie production showed efficiency, ranking third among NFL wide receivers in yards per route run at 2.69. In 12 personnel, he produced 6.51 yards per route run, the best mark among wide receivers in any grouping with at least 40 routes. Chicago may lean more into 12 personnel in 2026 with a deeper tight end group and the addition of Sam Roush.

""I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," Johnson told reporters at Halas Hall on Thursday. "Yesterday, he had numerous explosive plays.""

"This offseason, Chicago cleared the runway for Burden's expanded role. Moore was traded to Buffalo. Zaccheaus departed in free agency. The Bears' wide receiver additions this offseason were Kalif Raymond (who turns 32 before the season starts and will likely be more of a special teams, four-receiving option type of player) and third-round rookie Zavion Thomas. Neither profiles as a serious competitor for Burden's playing time. The room is his, and the path to a featured role has never been cleaner."

"He ranked third among all NFL wide receivers in yards per route run as a rookie at 2.69, trailing only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In 12 personnel specifically (two tight ends on the field), he generated 6.51 yards per route run, the highest mark by any wide receiver in any personnel grouping with at least 40 routes run last season."

"The personnel piece matters heading into 2026. Johnson has indicated he could lean heavier into 12 personnel this season, and with the addition of third-round rookie tight end Sam Roush alongside an already capable tight end group, 13 personnel (three tight ends on the field)"

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