The Chicago Bears drafted LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas 89th overall in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Thomas ran a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and spent his first two collegiate seasons at Mississippi State before transferring to LSU for his final two years. He was not overly effective as a receiver, totaling 1,213 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, he was a standout and productive return specialist, with 584 punt return yards and a touchdown, and 952 kick return yards and two touchdowns, earning him Third-Team All-SEC honors in 2024.
Thomas will compete with Kalif Raymond for the primary kick return duties and the third receiver role.
Chicago Bears ink speedy WR with 4-year deal
chicago bears NFL scouting combine LSU Tigers, Zavion Thomas
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU wideout Zavion Thomas (WO38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Chris Emma of The Score, the Bears have signed Zavion Thomas to a rookie contract. Spotracprojects the speedster’s contract to be worth approximately $6.831 million, including $1.428 million guaranteed at signing, with cap hits of $1.242 million in 2026, $1.552 million in 2027, $1.863 million in 2028, and $2.173 million in 2029. Thomas could earn more in Year 4 if he qualifies for Proven Performance Escalators by averaging 35% of snaps or more through the first three seasons or making the Pro Bowl on the original ballot.
The Bears have signed four of their draft picks to rookie contracts: wide receiver Zavion Thomas, cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 8, 2026
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Zavion Thomas 0, LSU Tigers take on the Florida Gators. Sept 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
“Thomas lacks gaudy production as a receiver, but his athleticism, versatility and return talent could bolster his roster value. He has average size with enough vertical speed to stress defenses downfield. He’s average in beating man coverage underneath and struggles finishing catches through contact. His vision, burst and elusiveness as a runner makes the evaluation more interesting. Thomas is likely to be viewed as a WR5 candidate with value as a return man, but teams could dig a little deeper on his potential as a running back.”
He projects as an average backup or special-teamer.