Anyone watching the Chicago Bears last season wouldn’t have come away thinking pass catcher was the main problem with the offense. However, general manager Ryan Poles let the board speak to him, and what the board told him to take was tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 and wide receiver Luther Burden III at No. 39.
Poles took Burden because he was the best athlete on the board when the Bears were on the clock. Despite Chicago needing upgrades in the backfield and for their pass rush, Poles selected a player who will look to take targets from Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Loveland.
New head coach Ben Johnson was asked after the draft how he’d disperse the ball around a talented offense. He doesn’t think competition for the ball is a problem and believes it will incentivize players not getting the ball to work harder in reps.
This is nothing new. Reporters were claiming the Bears had too many weapons last year after trading for Keenan Allen and drafting Odunze. The results in 2024 were underwhelming.
DJ Moore to the trade market?
Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron thinks the Bears could shop Moore because Burden’s play style is reminiscent of Moore’s.
“Two Bears insiders think the team’s plethora of riches might lead to a wide receiver trade,” Zimmerman posted on X. “What if the Luther Burden pick was made because the new coaching staff isn’t 100% certain on DJ Moore moving forward based on last season’s performance? Burden’s play comps very similarly to Moore’s.
“To be clear, I’m not suggesting Moore gets traded this offseason, but if he doesn’t fit well this year, this would be a move they consider for the 2026 season was the point.”
To be clear, I'm not suggesting Moore gets traded this offseason, but if he doesn't fit well this year, this would be a move they consider for the 2026 season was the point.
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) April 28, 2025
One has to wonder what Zimmerman means by “last year’s performance” being an issue.
Moore was Chicago’s leading receiver with 98 receptions for 966 yards, and six touchdowns. Those aren’t terrible stats for a wide receiver working with a rookie quarterback who was sacked 68 times on a 5-12 team.
Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden compared to big-name WRs
Adam Jahns of The Athletic also suggested that the Burden pick frees up the Bears’ front office to trade Moore.
“So, let me get this right: the Bears’ best receivers are the No. 24 pick from the 2018 draft, the No. 9 pick from last year and the 39th pick from this year” Jahns wrote. “How crazy is that? These aren’t your grandfather’s Bears. Burden was a luxury pick. They didn’t “need” him. But you don’t pass on elite playmakers, especially when they stand out on your draft board as Burden did.
“In an ideal world, he will be the Amon-Ra St. Brown option in Johnson’s offense. Receiver is also a position that changes often. Stars get traded and injuries happen. The Bears are now better prepared for everything.”
Look, it’s possible Moore becomes frustrated with the Bears if Ben Johnson is over his head to begin his head coaching career, and Chicago decides to part ways with a veteran receiver who wants to ring chase. Moore did show frustration last year while working with a rookie quarterback.
But Moore needs to be the centerpiece of the offense until another playmaker can take over games. Chicago has no reason to think about trading Moore until they at least see what Burden and Loveland can do against NFL teams in the regular season.
We’ve seen too many Adam Shaheens, Tyler Scotts, and Velus Jones Jr.s.
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