Bears' 652-yard receiver named star breakout candidate for obvious reasons

The Chicago Bears are one of the more exciting teams in the entire NFL right now, as they're heading towards the 2026 regular season looking like a team on the cusp of reaching another level offensively.

Year two of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams together could make for another breakthrough offensively. In such a scenario, there's bound to be a few players who have a breakout season.

But, for CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles, the one who stands out the most is 652-yard receiver Luther Burden III. He had a good rookie year, and now could have a breakout sophomore season for a few obvious reasons.

Bears' Luther Burden III projected to have breakout season in 2026

"Luther Burden III was already a popular breakout candidate before Ben Johnson said he's 'buying Luther Burden stock right now,'" Pereles writes.

Burden, being the top Bears breakout candidate this upcoming season, makes a ton of sense. While Williams could turn into an All-Pro, and Colston Loveland might be on the cusp of a massive season for a tight end, Burden has a path to success in 2026.

DJ Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills, clearing the way for ample opportunity for Burden to not only see the field more in his second season, but also get more targets as well.

The Bears' offense will also have a full offseason and a year's worth of tape to go over with the same offensive playcaller. That's a huge advantage, especially for a young offense like this one in Chicago.

MORE: Bears need Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to step up with DJ Moore traded

Add in the quote from Johnson, about buying stock in Burden, and it's hard not to get excited about what the Bears' 2025 second-round pick could do in his second season.

Burden had 652 yards receiving last season for the Bears with just two touchdowns on 47 receptions. While it might be bold, it wouldn't be that shocking if Burden doubled his production from a year ago now in an expanded role.

The 2026 season could be Burden's breakout year, as he goes from a fun, young receiver to becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber star in the Bears' offense.

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