Bears coach lauds Luther Burden’s progress

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden is generating significant optimism from the team's coaching staff as he enters his second NFL season, with head coach Ben Johnson stating he is "buying Luther Burden stock right now." The comments came during organized team activities, where Johnson praised the 22-year-old's explosive plays and dedicated offseason approach.

Burden’s development is viewed as crucial following the Bears' offseason trade of veteran receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. With Moore’s departure, Burden is expected to assume a more prominent role in the offense alongside fellow receiver Rome Odunze and second-year tight end Colston Loveland. Johnson noted that Burden appears to be playing at a different speed, attributing it to the receiver’s increased comfort and familiarity with the playbook, allowing him to react more instinctively.

Selected in the second round of the 2025 draft out of the University of Missouri, Burden showed flashes of potential during his rookie campaign. After a quiet start, he broke out in a Week 3 victory over Dallas with three catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. He finished the season with 47 receptions for 652 yards and two...