The Chicago Bears finalized their 2025 rookie contracts before camp, with GM Ryan Poles giving WR Luther Burden III a historic fully guaranteed deal.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just one day before rookies report, the Chicago Bears have officially locked up their entire 2025 draft class, putting a bow on a transformative offseason. General Manager Ryan Poles eliminated any potential for training camp holdouts by signing second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, the final piece of the puzzle, in a move that signals the team is all-in on its new era.
Burden's deal is notable as the first fully guaranteed contract for a player selected 39th overall in NFL history.
In a decisive end to preseason negotiations, GM Ryan Poles ensured every 2025 draft pick will be present for the start of training camp. The centerpiece was the signing of second-round wideout Luther Burden III to a four-year, $10.965 million deal that is, significantly, fully guaranteed. This wasn't just a one-off; fellow second-rounders Ozzy Trapilo (OT) and Shemar Turner (DT) also received fully guaranteed contracts, a bold statement from the front office. For Burden, who missed offseason workouts with a soft tissue injury, getting his contract done ensures he can focus solely on integrating into Ben Johnson's offense, where he's expected to play a major role.
The excitement building around the Bears' offense isn't just confined to Chicago. NFL legend and Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning publicly endorsed the pairing of new head coach Ben Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Manning praised Johnson's offensive mind and Williams' immense talent, suggesting the combination could finally unlock the Bears' offensive potential. With new weapons like Burden and a rebuilt line, Manning's vote of confidence adds another layer of national anticipation for what this unit can accomplish in 2025.
With the contracts settled, the focus now shifts to the fierce competitions set to unfold on the practice field. The most critical area is the completely overhauled offensive line. New veteran starters Joe Thuney (LG), Jonah Jackson (RG), and Drew Dalman (C) are set to anchor the interior, but the left tackle spot is up for grabs. Incumbent Braxton Jones, recovering from a fractured ankle, will have to fend off promising rookie Ozzy Trapilo. On the other side of the ball, the cornerback room is stacked. While Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are established stars, the battle for snaps behind them will be intense between Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, and rookie Zah Frazier.
The contracts are signed, the endorsements are in, and the questions are clear. With rookies reporting tomorrow, the offseason chatter officially ends. All eyes now turn to Halas Hall to see if this historic investment in talent can translate into a historic turnaround for the Chicago Bears. The real work starts now.
