What happened: Luther Burden III is emerging as a leading choice to pace Chicago in receiving yards in 2026. Colston Loveland also enters the offseason as the Bears' top tight end after a record-setting rookie playoff run.
Why it matters: Chicago's target distribution remains an offseason question with Burden, Loveland and Cole Kmet in the offense. Burden's role could expand following DJ Moore's departure.
By the numbers: Burden produced more receiving yardage as a Missouri sophomore than Brian Thomas Jr., Ricky Pearsall and Brock Bowers did at that stage. Loveland broke the rookie tight end playoff receiving-yards record.
What to watch: Training camp usage and the preseason target hierarchy will offer the first clearer signal of Chicago's receiving pecking order.