After Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner finally signed their rookie contracts with the Chicago Bears, that puts the spotlight squarely on former Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III, who is now officially the only player from the Bears’ 2025 Draft class who remains unsigned as the beginning of training camp nears.
But the fact that Burden, who has been dealing with a soft tissue injury since May, remains unsigned on the eve of training camp isn’t the only reason the former All-SEC wide receiver finds himself in the news. There’s also this photo, which is certain to ruffle the feathers of a particularly old school breed of fan in Chicago who likely can’t stand that any Bears player would have anything to do with a Minnesota Viking in the offseason.
It could be worse, I suppose. At least Justin Jefferson isn’t a Packer.
Now before anyone gets too bent out of shape over tribal lines being crossed, don’t overlook the fact that Luther Burden III could learn a whole lot from Justin Jefferson. Not only has Jefferson put together the most prolific opening five seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history, but just comparing the body types, measurables and playing style, there are some similarities here.
Justin Jefferson Could Be Generous Comp for Luther Burden
Although a much more common, and likely far more realistic comparison for Luther Burden is Deebo Samuel, there are enough similarities between Burden and Jefferson that it’s at least worth having a passing conversation regarding the two. Let’s start here… the pre-Draft measurables for both Burden and Jefferson.
Burden – 6-0, 206 lbs, 4.41 40-yard dash, 1.54 10-yard split, 2.58 20-yard split
Jefferson – 6-1, 202 lbs, 4.43 40-yard dash, 1.57 10-yard split, 2.61 20-yard split
Now of course, it’s worth mentioning that Jefferson clears Burden in both hand size and arm length, two important but under-the-radar measurements. The most glaring difference between the two as college prospects would be Jefferson’s comfort level playing on the outside and running the entire route tree.
Burden is a dynamic and explosive athlete, but in terms of his polish, he’s a more one-dimensional receiver than you’d hope he would be. Right now, Burden projects to play exclusively from the slot, which is a valuable role in any offense, and particularly in a Ben Johnson offense. But because he has plenty to learn otherwise, that makes his absences this offseason even more problematic.
Ben Johnson Issues Warning For Missing Summer Work
With rookies set to report for training camp on Saturday July 19, it looks like Burden will officially be listed as a holdout as practices get under way. And that puts both Burden and a new-look Bears offense that was aiming to feature their rookie 2nd round pick in a somewhat prominent role right out of the gate in a hole before camp even begins.
“He misses a lot,” Johnson said of Burden’s absences, according to Gene Chamberlain of Sports Illustrated. “Any time you’re not out there, if you’re in the training room when the rest of the guys are practicing, you’re losing valuable time; valuable time with your coaches, valuable reps with your teammates, the ability to build the trust that we’re talking about.”
So far, Luther Burden hasn’t had as many opportunities to build trust as you’d hope, but with one signature and a clean bill of health, that can change in a hurry, and the Bears will absolutely be better for it.
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