Bears HC Ben Johnson: ‘I’m Buying Luther Burden Stock Right Now’

The second-year pro is elevating his game and becoming a legitimate weapon in the offense.

Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Dec. 28, 2025. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is banking on an explosive sophomore season from wide receiver Luther Burden III.

The Bears drafted Burden in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was a serviceable piece of the Bears’ offense as a slot receiver. But Johnson said Thursday that Burden has already elevated his game through a few days of OTAs, and is becoming a complete player at the position.