I think every Chicago Bears fan remembers how Rome Odunze started the 2025 season. But I wouldn't blame you if you needed a refresher. After all, the hype around Luther Burden III has been so big lately that Odunze has become more of an afterthought.
And an afterthought is precisely what Bears fans are hoping defenses see him as in 2026, too.
Odunze missed the final five weeks of the 2025 season due to a foot injury before returning to play in the postseason; however, he did not make the impact he had early in the season. Now back on the practice field for OTAs, Odunze came up during the media's time with head coach Ben Johnson.
On Odunze's health, Johnson had this to say:
"Nothing new to me. He's out there, he said he feels great. He looks good to me. He looks like the same old Rome. I think we're in good shape."
The same old Rome, huh? That's what Bears fans love to hear, because the "same old Rome" that we saw in Weeks 1-4 last year was absolutely dominant, scoring five touchdowns to kick off the first month.
Odunze is healthy. He's a full-go.
Rome Odunze and Luther Burden could help Caleb Williams lead a Bears offense fans have dreamt of
While Odunze continues to fly under the radar thanks to the Burden hype, Bears fans should brace for an explosion out of both wide receivers this coming season.
Obviously, the big caveat is that we see another jump from quarterback Caleb Williams. And by all accounts, that's exactly what the majority of fans and experts think will happen. The offseason hype is, after all, just offseason hype.
But the context here is different from other situations. Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in his draft and came into the league as what some thought was a generational talent. He is now paired with the best head coaching candidate the NFL has seen in years, Ben Johnson.
The Bears have put two immensely talented wide receivers around him, both with different skill sets that complement one another. Odunze has the body type and skill set to be the alpha on the outside. We've seen it. His ability to track balls and make acrobatic catches is there. When it comes to the bigger plays or deep balls, that's been more of an issue with Williams.
Again, let's assume Williams improves.
Meanwhile, Burden is getting all of the buzz lately. He is one of the most electric receivers in the league with the ball in his hands. There's a reason so many believe the Burden breakout we saw at the end of 2025 will carry over.
And we haven't even gotten into the Colston Loveland conversation yet, nor have we mentioned the fact that the Bears had a top rushing attack in 2025.
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If Odunze is fully healthy, look out.
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