We’re now just 10 days away from rookies for the Chicago Bears reporting to training camp and 13 days away from the rest of the team returning to Halas Hall. After a remarkable season in 2025 under head coach Ben Johnson, which saw the Bears win their first division title since 2018, they’ll look to defend their crown in 2026. A big part of that magical 2025 season was the offense jumping from 28th in scoring in 2024 to ninth just a year ago.
If Chicago wants any hope of repeating that mark or improving on it, they’ll need their wide receivers to have productive seasons. It’s a group that looks quite different from last year, with D.J. Moore now with the Buffalo Bills, Olamide Zaccheaus back with the Atlanta Falcons, and Devin Duvernay heading west by signing with the Arizona Cardinals. There are still some returning players, primarily second-year receiver Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, and Jahdae Walker. As for the main newbies in this group, you have former Detroit Lions receiver Kalif Raymond, who is expected to be the primary returner, and then third-round rookie Zavion Thomas. The rest of the group includes a mix of undrafted rookies, new and returning practice squad players, and a seven-year vet, including Scotty Miller, Maurice Alexander, JP Richardson, Omari Kelly, Kyron Hudson, and Kaden Davis.
Last season, Moore was the No. 1 receiver on the roster, followed by Odunze, Zaccheaus, Burden, Duvernay, and Walker. Yet, as the season progressed, Burden earned himself more playing time, jumping Zaccuaeus for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Despite Moore having a career low of 682 receiving yards, he still had the most yards by a wide receiver, beating out Odunze by 21 yards. A lot will be asked of Burden and Odunze as they try to fill that void and become consistent WR1s for Caleb Williams to throw to. It’ll be a tall order, with Burden having issues in making sure he knows the full playbook, and Odunze staying healthy this season.
While the top two spots in the depth chart are pretty much settled, there’s a lot to figure out from spots three through six. Raymond, Thomas, and Walker will all be trying to settle the dust on who ends up in the No. 3, No.4, and No. 5 spots. The remaining six players will be duking it out for that sixth and final spot, with the other five who don’t make it trying to get onto a practice squad, so there will be plenty to keep an eye on. Make sure to check back with the Bear Report for complete coverage of training camp.
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