There was excitement from Chicago Bears fans when they selected wide receiver Rome Odunze eight picks behind quarterback Caleb Williams in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but now the temperature is being turned up.
Odunze's rookie year got a pass because there was so much dysfunction within the organization at the time, but 2025's great start was ruined by a foot injury that cost him the final five games of the season. Now entering 2026, The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain named Odunze as the top Bears player with the most on the line this season.
"Selected eight picks after quarterback Caleb Williams, Odunze has shown so much promise, but his sophomore NFL season was marred in a foot injury and uncharacteristic drops. He has said that his “new normal” is getting used to his foot following the fracture, which sent shudders through the Bears fan base. 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. The Bears haven’t given a multiyear contract extension to a receiver they drafted since Earl Bennett in 2011."
Rome Odunze has to come up big in Year 3 with the Bears
Last season, Odunze had 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. The big concern with him was that he caught only 48.9% of his targets in 2025, which was down about 5% from his rookie season. He was criticized for having a lot of drops throughout the year, but that wasn't 100% the case.
Things do have to change in 2026, though, as Odunze has to break out the way Bears fans think he will be able to. The good news is that he is 100% healthy and looked good at OTAs early on, coming out of his routes strong and moving well with the injured foot. Odunze admitted to having to adjust to life with a healthy foot, but is trending in the right direction.
The pressure has never been higher on Odunze, especially since DJ Moore got traded, opening the door for Odunze and Luther Burden III to be the top receivers on the team. Tight end Colston Loveland is an emerging star who will get plenty of targets, but Odunze has to step up and be the top guy.
Read more: Former Bears starter just pulled at every fan's heartstrings
Odunze has the potential to be a great wide receiver, but Bears fans have yet to see it. 2026 is the year that it finally all comes together, and the full look of the offense is in frame.
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