WR Luther Burden III, CHI (2 Viewers)

[pinkstapler]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25119/dj-moore

Have you guys seen Moore’s contract? In no way is this contract cuttable and really remains unlikely to be traded. DJ really signed a contract favorable to him.

I think every player signs a contract favorable to them, or as best as they can get, but his contract is without a doubt structured in a way that it's extremely easy to trade and I can't emphasize that enough.

The key is the guarantees are mainly in the salary and not signing bonus so that trading him nets small dead cap hits but gains sizeable actual cap space.

Agree on this front. And by next offseason, once a few more WRs get new contracts/extensions, $23mil a year for DJ Moore isn't a number that is going to be off-putting to teams. If anything, I'd bet it will seem appealing to a WR needy team. Especially with a huge out after the 2027 season.

If he impresses Johnson, and even more so if Burden does not, he'll likely still be in a Bears uni. I just have a feeling in Ben Johnsons "perfect world", his young core trio pop enough that he can leverage a Moore trade to fill another hole he has on this roster next offseason.

 

[barackdhouse]

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

Is there something outside of injury that is causing the concern?

this is actually pretty tame but well spoken. Maybe it's a step too far to say he is in the doghouse based on these coaches statements but he *is* missing incredibly important reps.

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

We are firmly in "best shape of his life" season, but looking around, not seeing many negative reports, so curious why you are nervous or have soured on him.

Same for you, @zamboni?

I'd imagine he's got a playbook and is in all team meetings.

I was curious about this. Do we know this is true if a rookie is unsigned? Or do they give them the playbook the weekend of the draft?

 

[Faust]

Luther Burden III: All-In? The Gut Check No. 645

An in-depth look at Luther Burden III from Matt Waldman

 

[Marauder]

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

Is there something outside of injury that is causing the concern?

this is actually pretty tame but well spoken. Maybe it's a step too far to say he is in the doghouse based on these coaches statements but he *is* missing incredibly important reps.

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

We are firmly in "best shape of his life" season, but looking around, not seeing many negative reports, so curious why you are nervous or have soured on him.

Same for you, @zamboni?

I'd imagine he's got a playbook and is in all team meetings.

I was curious about this. Do we know this is true if a rookie is unsigned? Or do they give them the playbook the weekend of the draft?

Per ChatGPT:

NFL teams generally wait until a draft pick signs their rookie contract—or at least signs a waiver or participation agreement—before giving them access to the full playbook. However, there's some nuance:

---

1.​

• Teams may share limited install sheets, basic terminology, or orientation-level material during rookie minicamp—even before the official contract is signed.
• This is typically done under a waiver agreement or “rookie participation agreement” that protects both the team and the player legally.

2.​

• Full access is typically granted only after the player signs their contract or the waiver, especially since it involves confidential, strategic material.
• Most players sign these participation waivers right after the draft so they can attend rookie minicamp.

---

• NFL teams risk legal and financial exposure if a player is injured before signing.
• The CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) requires player protections, so the waiver acts as a legal bridge between the draft and the full contract.
• Additionally, teams want to protect their intellectual property (schemes, play designs) in case a player doesn’t sign or is traded.

---

Example:​

• In 2021, Jets QB Zach Wilson famously missed early camp practices because he hadn’t signed and was not permitted full access to the playbook until his deal was finalized.

 

[menobrown]

Per ChatGPT:

NFL teams generally wait until a draft pick signs their rookie contract—or at least signs a waiver or participation agreement—before giving them access to the full playbook. However, there's some nuance:

I'd venture to guess every single drafted player either signed their contract or the waiver with the lone exception of Shermar Stewart. Burden would have or he'd not have been doing the workout where he landed on the ball.

 

[Blick]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25119/dj-moore

Have you guys seen Moore’s contract? In no way is this contract cuttable and really remains unlikely to be traded. DJ really signed a contract favorable to him.

I think it’s wishful thinking that DJ will be traded. Sometimes teams just make what we think are unneeded or plain bad picks. If Odunze plays like his talent indicated pre-draft, then Insee a very steep uphill battle for Burden.

 

[JohnnyU]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25119/dj-moore

Have you guys seen Moore’s contract? In no way is this contract cuttable and really remains unlikely to be traded. DJ really signed a contract favorable to him.

I think it’s wishful thinking that DJ will be traded. Sometimes teams just make what we think are unneeded or plain bad picks. If Odunze plays like his talent indicated pre-draft, then Insee a very steep uphill battle for Burden.

I don’t think they like Moore’s work ethic, so yes, I think they will get rid of him eventually. Perhaps in 2026.

 

[Ray Barboni]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25119/dj-moore

Have you guys seen Moore’s contract? In no way is this contract cuttable and really remains unlikely to be traded. DJ really signed a contract favorable to him.

I think it’s wishful thinking that DJ will be traded. Sometimes teams just make what we think are unneeded or plain bad picks. If Odunze plays like his talent indicated pre-draft, then Insee a very steep uphill battle for Burden.

I don’t think they like Moore’s work ethic, so yes, I think they will get rid of him eventually. Perhaps in 2026.

I agree here. Lions fan, not that that matters all that much - but Ben Johnson would not have drafted LB3 if he didn’t have a plan for him. DJ Moore put a bunch of terrible tape on display last year, BJ noticed - subsequently put him on notice, during the draft and in the media.

I’d be shocked if DJ is a bear after the ‘25 season. Regardless of Luther, or Rome’s development.

 

[Grid71]

Burden played around 80% from the slot in college. It’s a big role in this offense so I’m not shy about picking up shares.

It’s a concern he has the soft tissue issue and missing reps. Would feel much better if he were getting glowing reports like Egbuka. Definitely not a cozy click but don’t want to miss out if he hits.

 

[Hankmoody]

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/25119/dj-moore

Have you guys seen Moore’s contract? In no way is this contract cuttable and really remains unlikely to be traded. DJ really signed a contract favorable to him.

It's only $16M dead money to trade him ($4M 2025, $12M 2026), which would save CHI over $20M this year. His future salaries of ~$24M aren't even top 10 WR money. This is a very tradeable contract to a team that believes in his talent, and any team trading for him obviously would.

 

[pinkstapler]

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

Is there something outside of injury that is causing the concern?

this is actually pretty tame but well spoken. Maybe it's a step too far to say he is in the doghouse based on these coaches statements but he *is* missing incredibly important reps.

After thinking about this for a while, I'm beginning to get the feeling like I drank some kool aid on this guy.

Color me nervous about the bust potential here.

Not every player that succeeds is a paragon of mental fortitude but it sure helps.

We are firmly in "best shape of his life" season, but looking around, not seeing many negative reports, so curious why you are nervous or have soured on him.

Same for you, @zamboni?

I'd imagine he's got a playbook and is in all team meetings.

I was curious about this. Do we know this is true if a rookie is unsigned? Or do they give them the playbook the weekend of the draft?

Wow... really good point. I def assumed they did, but can 100% see a world where that's not standard protocol. Even if it's not like the full season install packages; probably not something they want to hand out willy nilly and be floating around.

 

[DaddyFatSacks]

Burden - 4 years - 10.9M
Four-year deal $10.965 million and fully guaranteed

 

[Winning IS Everything]

Burden - 4 years - 10.9M
Four-year deal $10.965 million and fully guaranteed

Yeah baby, choo choo!

 

[wgoldsph]

SIgned before camp, no issues here

 

[King of the Jungle]

SIgned before camp, no issues here

As long as the soft tissue issue is cleared up. If he wins the slot position in this offense he will be an FF factor year one, even with a crowded room.

 

[smbkrypt24]

It seems when someone starts with soft tissue issues it is hard for them to overcome that in their rookie year. The one "recent" that comes to mind that goes against this thinking though is OBJ.

 

[King of the Jungle]

It seems when someone starts with soft tissue issues it is hard for them to overcome that in their rookie year. The one "recent" that comes to mind that goes against this thinking though is OBJ.

All depends on the severity. If he is participating day one of camp I have no worries, if not I would start to be a little concerned.

 

[rzrback77]

What a wide variety of expectations for Luther Burden, just at FBG:

Waldman WR 20
Kluge WR 36
One ranked WR 46
Three WR 53, including Bob Henry
One at 54
One 55
Two 57
One 59
One 60 Bob Harris
One 61
One 62
One 63
One 65
One 67
One 74
One 77

I admit I have not reviewed many individual rankings, but a bit surprised at the variance.

 

[C & C]

What a wide variety of expectations for Luther Burden, just at FBG:

Waldman WR 20
Kluge WR 36
One ranked WR 46
Three WR 53, including Bob Henry
One at 54
One 55
Two 57
One 59
One 60 Bob Harris
One 61
One 62
One 63
One 65
One 67
One 74
One 77

I admit I have not reviewed many individual rankings, but a bit surprised at the variance.

There are so many questions/variables in regards to Burden...

Will he be hampered by his soft tissue injury?
As a rookie, how well/quickly will he adapt to the NFL?
What is his role in the offense? Is he the 2nd most targeted, 4th?
Then, all the Bears offense questions...Will the o-line improve? Will Caleb take a step(s) forward?

Depending on how many of those questions, plus others, determines how highly you rank him.

Personnelly, I like his talent, but remain skeptical about 2025 production.

 

[JohnnyU]

Think 2026

 

[IHEARTFF]

What a wide variety of expectations for Luther Burden, just at FBG:

Waldman WR 20
Kluge WR 36
One ranked WR 46
Three WR 53, including Bob Henry
One at 54
One 55
Two 57
One 59
One 60 Bob Harris
One 61
One 62
One 63
One 65
One 67
One 74
One 77

I admit I have not reviewed many individual rankings, but a bit surprised at the variance.

There are so many questions/variables in regards to Burden...

Will he be hampered by his soft tissue injury?
As a rookie, how well/quickly will he adapt to the NFL?
What is his role in the offense? Is he the 2nd most targeted, 4th?
Then, all the Bears offense questions...Will the o-line improve? Will Caleb take a step(s) forward?

Depending on how many of those questions, plus others, determines how highly you rank him.

Personnelly, I like his talent, but remain skeptical about 2025 production.

Burden 2025 questions are perfectly valid. I don't think the o-line is a question. They massively improved it this offseason.

 

[zamboni]

Think 2026

That's how I'm looking at it. Even if Caleb takes a big step forward, the path to targets may not be easy for Burden this year outside of an injury to Moore or Odunze. And if the Bears run a lot of 12 personnel, which I think is a big part of Ben Johnson's offense, that might limit Burden's snap count with only 2 WR on the field.

 

[King of the Jungle]

If healthy, I think the new coaching staff will work on getting the ball out of Caleb’s hands quicker. This bodes well for the slot and TEs. If Burden can win that role (medium sized if) he should see a decent amount of opportunities as a rookie. If he catches on quick in this offense he has some good upside.

 

[rzrback77]

Keenan Allen’s departure and his 121 targets are up for grabs. Both Moore and Odunze had o er 100 targets a year ago. Perhaps Odunze grows into a bigger share, but still 100 lost targets for the two rookies, Burton and Loveland to fight over. There are possibilities here, particularly if Coach Johnson improves Caleb Williams’ production.