Why Rome Odunze is Bears player with most to prove in 2026

The Chicago Bears are heading towards the 2026 NFL season with a ton of optimism about how this team can not only repeat as NFC North champions but also make an even deeper run into the playoffs.

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson in year two, along with breakouts from Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, have the Bears as one of the NFL's most exciting offenses. But, Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in 2024, has somewhat flown under the radar.

Despite his fellow receivers garnering much more attention, this season is a massive one for Odunze. Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic identified Odunze as the player with the most on the line in 2026, and for good reason: he's eligible for a contract extension after 2026.

Why Rome Odunze's 2026 is a massive one for Bears WR

"If Odunze can put it all together and be the team's No. 1 receiver, he - like his quarterback - would be in line for a massive payday," Fishbain.

Odunze was drafted 9th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, only a few selections after Williams was taken No. 1 overall. After this upcoming 2026 season, both will be eligible to receive a contract extension.

Williams has already proven he's deserving of an extension, and the only thing he has left to prove is if he can be an MVP-caliber QB, and if he can bring the Bears on a playoff run to the NFC Championship, or even the Super Bowl.

Odunze, on the other hand, still needs to prove his worth as a top receiver in the NFL. He's had his moments, but through two seasons, the jury is still out.

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He had 661 receiving yards with six touchdowns on 44 receptions this past season, but most of that production came in the first seven weeks, as he had 473 yards and five touchdowns in that time.

Odunze missed a lot of time due to a foot injury, which has now become an issue he's going to have to deal with moving forward. But he can quell any fears from Bears fans with a strong 2026 season.

Not only would that be a major help for the Bears, but by having a strong 2026 season, by having career-highs in every category, he could set himself up to receive a huge contract in the near future.

Odunze has a lot on the line during this upcoming 2026 season. The Bears need him, and so does his bank account. It's a massive year coming up for the 2024 first-rounder, and he has the pathway to putting together such a huge season.

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