LAKE FOREST, Ill., — One of the best stories last season for the Chicago Bears was wide receiver Jahdae Walker. Last year at this time, Walker was battling for a spot on the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent.
He went on to have a really good training camp and preseason, earning that spot and then appearing in nine games and making one start. But this season, it's a little different for Walker who is trying to build on his success from a year ago.
"Just trying to build off of that and continue to prove myself each and every day," Walker said to the Bear Report.
While Walker's 2025 season was a success, there is still room for improvement. Walker was able to grind out a tough training camp and earn his spot but he's not settling for that and knows he's not a lock to make the roster.
So putting in the hard work not only as a receiver but on special teams is important for him. He spent this offseason taking feedback from coaches and himself on what he needs to improve on.
"My route running, tackling on special teams," Walker said. "Those were the two biggest things for me this offseason. Being a good special teams player is just added value. So I feel like I can do good on special teams; I already know I'm decent on offense. Special teams is something I need to work at. If I can master that, it's creating a lot of value for me."
Walker had a little more time this offseason to work on his game. It also allowed him to sit back and look at what he accomplished last season as well. Without having the scouting combine, pro day, and entire draft process, there were some extra months for Walker to prepare for this offseason.
But his offseason started off with surgery on his eyes, keeping him down for the first two weeks. Walker told the Bear Report he had a stigmatism in his eye that required the surgery, which allows him to see 20-15 now.
"I actually had PRK on my eyes, so I was down the first two weeks," Walker said. "After that, I went down to Florida and was training with Yo Murphy Performance and Gold Feet Global, just to work on my routes and my mobility and transition in and out of my routes. Then we went to Los Angeles as a group. We just threw every day for like four days."
Building that chemistry with not only quarterback Caleb Williams but also with the receiving core is important for Walker.
"I feel like it was very important to create that bond on the field and off the field," Walker said. "Just getting that time with Caleb [Williams] because that's what we are really focusing on: the timing of the routes and not being able to see the ball when you break; it should already be out. It definetly helped us all bond for sure."
Walker has become a fan favorite in his short time so far in Chicago, and the hope is that he can continue to be that in 2026. With a role as WR3 or Wr4 open, Walker is putting his best foot forward to not only cement his spot on the roster but also contribute as well.
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