The Chicago Bears face a crisis as rookies Luther Burden III, Ozzy Trapilo, & Shemar Turner remain unsigned ahead of 2025 training camp. Will they sign?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The unofficial start to the Chicago Bears' 2025 season is less than 24 hours away, but a dark cloud is hanging over Lake Forest. As rookies are scheduled to report to training camp on Saturday, the team's three crucial second-round draft picks—wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner—remain unsigned, threatening to sideline them just as the real work begins.
It’s been good. There haven’t really been live bullets flying yet. We’ll really know in camp once I get out there, doing a lot more stuff.
A league-wide standoff over fully guaranteed contracts for top second-rounders has ensnared the Bears' promising rookie trio. This isn't just procedural paperwork; it's a significant roadblock. All three players are expected to compete for immediate playing time, and any missed reps in camp could seriously stunt their development. The situation feels eerily similar to the Roquan Smith holdout in 2018, a distraction the front office surely hoped to avoid as it builds for the future.
The contract dispute creates a massive ripple effect, most notably at left tackle. With incumbent Braxton Jones still recovering from a December ankle fracture, the door was wide open for Ozzy Trapilo to make a strong push for the starting job. Now, that competition is on hold. Similarly, Luther Burden III, who is already nursing a soft-tissue injury from minicamp, faces a double setback. The Bears desperately need his playmaking ability, but he can't make an impact from the sidelines. The cornerback battle is also one to watch, as Tyrique Stevenson will have to fend off challenges from Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier to secure his spot opposite Jaylon Johnson.
Beyond the rookie drama, the Bears' training room is already looking crowded. Tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) and Burden are both questionable for the start of camp. Loveland himself acknowledged the uncertainty, stating at his football camp, 'We’ll really know in camp once I get out there.' The long-term list is even more concerning, with Jones (ankle), Andrew Billings (pectoral), T.J. Edwards (lower body), Kyler Gordon (lower body), and Ryan Bates (concussion) all carrying questionable tags for the Week 1 opener against Minnesota.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the health and contract status of their receivers, it's no surprise that trade rumors are swirling. ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking a new contract or a trade. Don't be surprised if GM Ryan Poles is monitoring this situation closely. Acquiring a tough, reliable veteran like Jennings could provide some much-needed stability to a receiving corps currently facing significant questions.
The next 24 hours are critical. As rookies are scheduled to walk through the doors of Halas Hall on Saturday, all eyes will be on whether three of the most important ones actually show up. The resolution of this contract standoff and the health of key veterans will set the tone for the entire 2025 season. The clock is ticking, and for the Bears, training camp has become a race against time before a single whistle has even been blown.
