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Bears insider predicts revival season from surprise WR in Ben Johnson’s offense

The Chicago Bears could get surprising production from an unlikely source in Ben Johnson’s passing attack.

Published

5 months ago

July 1, 2025

Bryan Perez

Ben Johnson head coach of the Chicago Bears

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears’ offense is expected to show significant improvement in 2025. It’s the kind of expectation that comes with hiring Ben Johnson as head coach. It’s also a byproduct of Caleb Williams entering his second season after entering the NFL as the first-overall pick in 2024.

Johnson and Williams have no shortage of skill players to help advance their goals on offense, too. Whether it’s DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, or Cole Kmet, the passing game should produce fireworks once Johnson’s system takes hold.

But there’s another wide receiver worth monitoring as the season gets going that not many analysts and fans are talking about: veteran Devin Duvernay.

Longtime Chicago Bears beat writer Gene Chamberlain listed Duvernay as a player who can experience a career revival under Johnson in 2025.

“They just acquired him but mainly as a return threat,” Chamerblain wrote. “A former two-time Pro Bowl player and All-Pro, he’s too young to have fallen into the rut as a receiver that he did without major injury in Baltimore and Jacksonville, going from a higher catch total for each of his second and third years to falling into disuse. Possibly Johnson could do something on offense with him to supplement the use they’ll get as a return man. Speed is always welcome, and he has it.”

Ravens X weapon, Devin Duvernay. Wish Todd Monken could put a better use of him this year. Duvernay had such a great start last season just to fall off the board and be utilized poorly by Greg Roman. He isn’t just a returner. pic.twitter.com/qgvuXXEfFp

— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) July 20, 2023

The Bears signed Duvernay to a one-year, $1.3 million contract this offseason in what will essentially be a prove-it year for the return specialist. He’ll turn 28 this season, making a second contract in Chicago within reach if he impresses, which he’s already done throughout offseason workouts.

It certainly feels like Duvernay’s roster spot is secure. He’s a special-teams upgrade, and his value as a returner, even if that’s the only role he has in 2025, will be high.

Devin Duvernay’s best year as a receiver came in 2022, when he caught 37 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns. It’s unlikely he’ll push for a role in the top three wideout spots, but if Luther Burden II is slow to assimilate to life in the NFL, Duvernay’s impact might be bigger than expected this year.