Ben Johnson reveals the biggest reason Luther Burden is ready to break out

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson believes Luther Burden's development as a route runner has been one of the biggest areas of growth since the second-year receiver arrived in Chicago. Speaking with the media on Friday, Johnson said Burden entered the NFL with elite natural ability but needed refinement as a receiver. "He was somewhat raw as a route runner when he got here last season," Johnson said. "It's just been slowly developing that route tree. When you have a hungry player like that, it's fun because you can introduce new things and he's got a flare to it, the way his body moves, it's unique for a big guy, so that's what makes it fun." Burden is expected to see a significantly larger role in the Bears' offense following D.J. Moore's offseason departure, and Johnson's comments reinforce the growing belief that the former second-round pick is primed for a breakout campaign. Burden's combination of size, athleticism, and improving route-running could make him one of Caleb Williams' most dangerous weapons in 2026.