Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden crosses enemy lines for offseason workouts

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to have a major role in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2025. He was hand-picked by the head coach in the second round and was described in one word by Johnson after the Draft: “Stud.”

Unfortunately, the Bears haven’t seen much of Burden on the field since that pick was made. He missed most of the team’s offseason workout program with a soft-tissue injury, but there’s been no indication that he’ll be limited at the start of training camp.

Chicago Bears rookies reported on July 19, with veterans checking in on July 22. The first training camp practice will take place on July 23, at which point Burden and the rest of the Bears’ rookie class will begin to showcase their skills.

Those skills for Luther Burden might be even better than Johnson is expecting because of who he’s working with this offseason.

Luther Burden putting in work with Justin Jefferson

Even though Burden wasn’t able to do much during the Bears’ offseason workout program, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t been doing anything. A new photo that circulated on Instagram and X showed that he’s not only working out, but he’s also being mentored by arguably the best receiver in the NFL right now.

Vikings star Justin Jefferson.

It’s great to see Burden aligning himself with a player like Jefferson. It’s important that the former Missouri standout set a high bar for himself, and there’s no higher goal than to become a player like Jefferson is.

Luther Burden’s work ethic was questioned during the run-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s part of the reason why he fell to the second round. Remember: Burden was considered a top-10 prospect at the start of the 2024 college football season. The fact that he was still available at No. 39 overall was a borderline unjust enrichment for the Chicago Bears’ offense.

There was concern that Burden would miss time at training camp because of how contracts for this year’s second-round picks evolved. With many of the top-of-the-round selections earning guaranteed contracts, it was unclear whether the Bears would make such a commitment to Burden.

In the end, they did, making Burden the first-ever No. 39 overall pick to receive a 100% guaranteed four-year deal.

Now, it’s up to Luther Burden to prove he’s worth every penny. And even though he’ll be fighting with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze for targets, a player with his incredible natural skill set should have no trouble making the most of his opportunities.

It’s especially true if he’s learned a thing or two from Justin Jefferson.