Odunze, Burden and Loveland Now Anchor Bears’ 2026 Receiving Plan After DJ Moore Trade

Overview

• Chicago sent DJ Moore to the Bills this offseason, leaving Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland as the primary targets in 2026.
• Yahoo Sports notes Odunze has a clean path to the No. 1 role if he stays healthy after a 2025 foot injury cut into a hot start.
• Analysts also flag a usage risk for Odunze as a possible “sacrificial X-receiver” in Johnson’s scheme, a role that has drawn coverage to free teammates rather than drive targets.
• The Sporting News highlights larger roles for Burden and Loveland after promising rookie years, with Moore’s 50 catches, 682 yards and six touchdowns now up for grabs.
• Heavy spotlights Burden as a breakout pick based on top team metrics like EPA per target and yards after catch, while noting O-line losses could push more volume onto the passing game.