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Rome Odunze Sends Bold Message on Bears’ 2026 Offense
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
In the dog days of the NFL offseason, the confidence inside the Chicago Bears’ locker room continues to grow. Wide receiver Rome Odunze made that very clear.Speaking with Caleb Downs and Josh Downs on the Down 2 Business podcast, the young wideout didn’t hold back when talking about Chicago’s offense heading into 2026.
Rome Odunze tells Caleb Downs and Josh Downs that the Bears have the best young offense in the NFL:
“Caleb with his playmaking ability, we have Luther, C-Love, we got several different positions. We got Kyle Monangai. I think we’re number one right now.” 🔥
🎥: @downs2business
“Caleb with his playmaking ability, we have Luther, C-Love, we got several different positions. We got Kyle Monangai,” Odunze said. “I think we’re number one right now.”
It’s a bold statement, but it reflects how this group views itself right now.
Everything starts with Caleb Williams. His playmaking ability is what ties the entire offense together. Whether it’s extending plays or creating outside of structure, he gives the Bears something they’ve been missing.
Around him, the young talent is starting to stack up.
Odunze is a big part of that, but he’s not alone.
Luther Burden brings explosiveness, Colston Loveland gives them a versatile option at tight end, and Kyle Monangai adds another layer out of the backfield. “It’s a group that can line up in different ways and attack defenses from multiple angles”, as Odunze described
That’s what stands out the most. This isn’t just a collection of young players. It’s a group that fits together and is starting to build real chemistry.
Bears Young Core Building Real Momentum
Odunze saw it firsthand last season.
He finished the 2025 season with 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns across 12 games, averaging 15.0 yards per catch, which ranked 10th in the NFL among qualified receivers. He had two games over 110 yards, and five of his six touchdowns came in the first four games of the season.
There were stretches where the connection between the two stood out. You could see the timing developing and the comfort growing week to week. That’s usually the hardest part for a young quarterback and receiver pairing, and they were already showing signs of figuring it out.
It also showed what Odunze can be at this level.
He’s not just a possession receiver. He can stretch the field, create after the catch and win in contested situations.
Those are traits that translate, and they’re a big reason why the Bears believe he can take another step forward in 2026.
Staying Healthy Will be Crucial for Bears
However, the biggest thing holding him back last season was availability.
Odunze missed five games last season with a stress fracture in his foot, sitting out the final stretch of the regular season before returning for the playoffs.
Odunze needs a full, consistent season without injuries to take that next step.
Inside the building, the Bears believe they already have the pieces. Odunze saying they’re “number one” might sound bold on the outside, but it lines up with how this group sees itself.
Now it’s about going out and proving it.