The Chicago Bears have officially signed second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III to his rookie contract, finalizing their entire 2025 NFL Draft class. This significant signing, a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth nearly $11 million, marks a historic moment as it’s reportedly the first time the 39th overall pick has received a fully guaranteed contract under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Bears Secure Entire 2025 Draft Class
With the signing of Luther Burden III, the Chicago Bears have successfully inked all eight of their 2025 NFL Draft picks. This completion comes just ahead of training camp, with rookies set to report on Saturday. The full draft class includes:
Colston Loveland (TE, 1st Round, 10th Pick)
Luther Burden III (WR, 2nd Round, 39th Pick)
Ozzy Trapilo (OT, 2nd Round, 56th Pick)
Shemar Turner (DT, 2nd Round, 62nd Pick)
Ruben Hyppolite II (LB, 4th Round, 132nd Pick)
Zah Frazier (CB, 5th Round, 169th Pick)
Luke Newman (G, 6th Round, 195th Pick)
Kyle Monangai (RB, 7th Round, 233rd Pick)
Historic Contract Details for Burden
Burden’s contract is a four-year deal valued at approximately $10.965 million, all of which is fully guaranteed. This structure is particularly noteworthy for a second-round pick, as fully guaranteed deals are typically reserved for first-round selections. The precedent for such guarantees among second-rounders has been a point of contention and negotiation across the league this offseason.
Burden’s Role and Injury Concerns
Luther Burden III, a highly touted five-star recruit and two-time First-Team All-SEC selection from Missouri, is expected to play a key role in the Bears’ offense. During his college career, he amassed 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns, showcasing dynamic playmaking ability. However, his early development with the team has been hampered by a soft tissue injury that caused him to miss OTAs and minicamp. Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the lost valuable time for the young player. With the contract now finalized, Burden is anticipated to be a full participant at the start of training camp, where he will aim to build rapport with quarterback Caleb Williams and integrate into the team’s crowded wide receiver room.
Key Takeaways
The Chicago Bears have signed all eight of their 2025 draft picks, including second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Burden’s contract is a historic four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth nearly $11 million, a rarity for a 39th overall pick.
His signing resolves a potential holdout and allows him to join training camp, crucial for his development after missing earlier offseason activities due to injury.
Burden is expected to compete for a significant role in the Bears’ offense, potentially as a slot receiver, despite a crowded receiver room.
Sources
Bears Sign Second-Round WR Luther Burden III, Wrap Up Draft Class, NFLTradeRumors.co.
Chicago Bears sign Luther Burden III to rookie contract, Bears Wire.
Another second-round signing only heightens Luther Burden intrigue, Sports Illustrated.
Bears Sign WR Luther Burden III to Rookie Deal, On Tap Sports Net.
Bears Sign Second-Round WR Luther Burden III, Wrap Up Draft Class, BVM Sports.
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