Bears 2024 training camp preview: Wide Receivers

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles completely revamped his wide receiver room this offseason. Acquiring Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze at the position to join D.J. Moore means rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will have no shortage of weapons.

The Bears are entering training camp with 12 receivers on the 90-man roster. Several veterans, ascending talents, and even undrafted free agents are vying for back-end spots. Let’s break down the Chicago Bears’ wide receivers ahead of the upcoming training camp period.

D.J. Moore

Moore exploded for the Bears last season following his trade away from the Carolina Panthers. Moore recorded career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8). With more competition for targets now present, he’ll attempt to establish himself as Williams’ go-to target.

Keenan Allen

Poles executed one of the blockbuster trades of the summer when he acquired Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen hauled in even more receptions (108) than Moore did last season. The six-time Pro Bowler has six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, and should be Williams’ security blanket as the every-down slot receiver.

Rome Odunze

With Allen entering his age-32 season, Poles prioritized the future of the wideout position by drafting Odunze at No. 9 overall. His year-by-year growth alongside Williams is going to be an exciting development for this franchise. Odunze must play his way onto the field throughout 2024 by enjoying a healthy and productive training camp.

Tyler Scott

Playing time may be difficult to come by for Tyler Scott in 2024. The 2023 fourth-rounder should make the 53-man roster at Matt Eberflus’ fourth or fifth receiver. Primarily a slot wideout, Scott could develop behind Allen this season while preparing to potentially replace him sometime in the future.

Velus Jones Jr.

Chicago’s third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Velus Jones Jr. is no longer guaranteed a roster spot after failing to meet expectations in consecutive seasons. Jones Jr. has just 11 career receptions to his name. His best chance of maintaining his position is on special teams.

Dante Pettis

A former second-round disappointment of the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, Dante Pettis has been with the Bears since 2022. He’s flashed on occasion, but has also dealt with recurring injuries (a theme that’s derailed his entire career). Poles re-signed Pettis earlier this offseason as a potential 2024 reclamation project.

Collin Johnson

A former Texas Longhorns standout, Collin Johnson originally joined the Bears via the practice squad in 2023. He’s been a mainstay ever since. The big-bodied Johnson is an expert blocker and will attempt to secure one of the final roster spots at receiver.

Freddie Swain

The Bears signed five-year pro Freddie Swain to a one-year contract earlier this offseason. He spent the 2021 season alongside new Bears offensive offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with the Seattle Seahawks. Swain produced career-best numbers that year via 25 catches for 343 yards and four touchdowns. His familiarity with Waldron increases his 53-man roster chances.

DeAndre Carter

DeAndre Carter signed a one-year contract with the Bears in mid June. The 10-year veteran is a journeyman that boasts an impressive resume on special teams. Carter will attempt to win the kick return and/or punt return jobs throughout training camp.

Nsimba Webster

Nsimba Webster originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. Waldron was Sean McVay’s passing game coordinator during Webster’s two primary seasons (2019-20) in Los Angeles. He’s been an on-again, off-again member of the Bears since 2021, and his familiarity with Waldron is likely what kept him in Chicago this offseason.

John Jackson

John Jackson joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. He recorded 35 receptions for 267 yards at Nevada last season after previously playing sparingly at USC. Jackson will attempt to secure a spot on Chicago’s practice squad.

Peter LeBlanc

Peter LeBlanc also joined the Bears earlier this offseason as a rookie undrafted free agent. The New Iberia native recorded 30 receptions for a career-high 468 receiving yards and four touchdowns (matching a previous personal-best). LeBlanc will attempt to develop on Chicago’s practice squad.