A major shift just hit the Chicago Bears offense.
With DJ Moore officially gone, a new question is dominating conversations in Chicago: who will become Caleb Williams’ new WR1?

Chicago Bears Enter New Era as Race for WR1 Begins After DJ Moore Trade

The Chicago Bears have officially turned the page on a major chapter of their offense.

After months of speculation, the team traded veteran wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills, receiving a 2026 second-round selection (No. 60 overall) in return. The move not only delivered additional draft capital but also created over $16 million in salary cap space.

However, Moore’s departure leaves behind a massive question.

Who will become Chicago’s new No. 1 wide receiver?

With quarterback Caleb Williams entering the next phase of his development, the Bears will now rely on a young and evolving group of pass catchers to lead the offense.

Several players are already emerging as potential candidates.

Rome Odunze Could Finally Take the Lead

One of the most obvious candidates is Rome Odunze, the former first-round pick who entered the league with massive expectations.

Odunze showed promise early in his career, recording 734 receiving yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season. His development continued the following year, but injuries slowed his momentum.

A stress fracture in his foot during October forced him to miss five consecutive games in the 2025 season. Despite the setback, he still finished with 661 receiving yards in only 12 games.

The combination of size, athleticism, and big-play ability makes Odunze one of the most natural candidates to step into the WR1 role.

As he approaches his third NFL season, the opportunity is there for him to fully break out.

Luther Burden III Brings Explosive Potential

Another rising name in Chicago’s receiving corps is Luther Burden III, who delivered an impressive rookie campaign.

Burden finished his first season with 689 receiving yards and two touchdowns, frequently flashing the speed and agility that made him a highly regarded prospect.

One of his standout moments came on a 35-yard touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers, highlighting his ability to stretch defenses vertically.

His biggest area for improvement remains route-running consistency.

If Burden sharpens that part of his game, his combination of explosiveness and reliable hands could allow him to evolve into a dynamic WR1 option for the Bears.

Jahdae Walker Could Become a Surprise Contributor

While Odunze and Burden lead the conversation, another name quietly gaining attention is Jahdae Walker.

The undrafted rookie made Chicago’s roster in 2025 and saw limited action, finishing with six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns across nine games.

Despite the small sample size, Walker delivered one unforgettable moment.

In a dramatic matchup against the Green Bay Packers, he caught a late touchdown that forced overtime—one of the most memorable plays of the Bears’ season.

Those clutch moments suggest Walker could earn a larger role moving forward.

While he may begin as a depth receiver, continued growth could eventually make him one of Caleb Williams’ trusted targets.

Tight Ends Could Also Shape the Passing Game

The Bears’ passing attack may not rely solely on wide receivers.

Second-year tight end Colston Loveland brings a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism, making him a major threat in the middle of the field.

Alongside veteran Cole Kmet, Chicago could feature a two-tight-end approach that creates mismatches against opposing defenses.

That balance could give offensive coordinator Ben Johnson the flexibility to design a more dynamic offensive system.

A Young Offense Ready to Grow Together

Moving on from DJ Moore marks a significant transition for the Bears.

But it also signals something else: a fully youth-driven offense built around Caleb Williams and a new generation of playmakers.

With Odunze, Burden, Walker, and Loveland all developing at the same time, Chicago’s passing attack could evolve rapidly.

The next WR1 in Chicago may not be a veteran superstar.

Instead, it could be the product of a young core growing together—and defining the next era of Bears football.