With training camp about to kick off for the Chicago Bears, there is currently one nagging problem that not only are they dealing with, but the majority of the NFL: 30 of 32 second-round picks are still unsigned.
Other than just a couple of them, 2025 second rounders have yet to sign and it is becoming more and more of an issue. This, of course, pertains to Bears second-round pick Luther Burden III. The Missouri wide receiver is one of many in his round to not yet have a done deal.
If it doesn't get signed by the start of camp, that means Burden won't be on the field until it happens. Now, should he miss time due to this contract situation, then one recent draft pick will get yet another chance to fulfill the team's hopes: 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott.
Tyler Scott has to take advantage of any extra reps thanks to Bears rookie Luther Burden's contract saga
The Cincinnati product came into the league as his collegiate team's no. 1 wide receiver and on a squad that landed in the College Football Playoff while he was there. Still, the speedster has not yet made a quality impression as a pro.
Scott figured to compete for one of the top three spots a couple of years ago, but last season, the Bears signed Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze just a year after selecting him. From there on out, it seemed like the door was already closing on Scott having any semblance of a role in the offense.
Now, with Burden potentially missing time, Scott could get some valuable reps. D.J. Moore is obviously atop the depth chart with Odunze and veteran Olamide Zaccheaus behind him. From there, is it Devin Duvernay? Is it Scott? This is assuming Burden is not yet on the field.
As it stands, Scott might just be the sixth wide receiver in line. But, will the Bears keep six wide receivers? The Lions kept only five, initially, last year under Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell. That means Scott is far from guaranteed a roster spot this year.
Read more: It's not even training camp but one Bears rookie is already on thin ice
So, if he is given added reps with the first or second team to start camp (assuming Burden isn't signed) then he needs to take full advantage, or else his career could take a turn for the worse.