CHICAGO BEARS

Chicago Bears

Add Topic

Luther Burden的突破性年份？ Bears' Ben Johnson already buying stock

Nick Brinkerhoff

USA TODAY

Updated May 28, 2026, 4:38 p.m. ET

Hear this story

Ben Johnson has more than a creative NFL offense. He has some stock tips as well.

While there is no official NFL stock exchange, the Chicago Bears head coach wants people to know he'd buy some stock in Luther Burden before the price explodes. Johnson was asked about how the second-year receiver is coming along this offseason, when he offered a glowing assessment.

"Yeah, I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," Johnson said. "Just how he's approached his offseason. It's been electric. That showed up yesterday. He had numerous explosive plays. I loved how in Phase 2 he was finishing every single rep that he took. And that really translated over to yesterday as well. So, he's in a really good spot."

Burden is expected to take on a bigger role in Chicago's offense in 2026, given the team dealt DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills to open up a spot at receiver.

Johnson explained that Burden has been expanding his route tree and continues to develop.

"He's still developing and growing his route tree," Johnson added. "Coach L and Isaiah Ford, they've done a phenomenal job with him just working to develop those things. Speed cuts to sharp breaks, releases, things of that nature. He's been extremely coachable. So I'm really happy with him."

The coach was asked if those developments were surprising or part of the plan after drafting Burden with a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

"I think when we drafted him, we saw an explosive athlete who was really dangerous with the ball in his hands," Johnson said. "The question was how can we get it in his hands? The easy things to do are screens or short throws, but I think there's a lot more to his game that we've worked to unlock and he's been really receptive to how we can get that done."

Johnson noted that he was especially excited about a route Burden had run for the first time in practice a day earlier. It's all part of the player's development, showing that he is more comfortable heading into his second season.

"He looks like he's playing at a different speed right now and you knew he had it in him," Johnson said. "He's a 4.4 guy and yet those time speeds don't always translate to real speed, football speed, the game tape. I think we're starting to see that now. He's playing, he's not thinking as much. He knows what we're trying to do."

With the game slowing down for Burden, he has been able to play freely and showcase the best version of himself.

Burden is one of the top breakout candidates that everyone has eyes on entering the 2026 season. Johnson appears to be all-in and he wants everyone to know that now is the time to buy the receiver's stock.

Even if that could be considered insider trading.