The Chicago Bears made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they traded veteran wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, creating a major void in both leadership and production within the offense.
Now, third-year receiver Rome Odunze believes he’s ready to step into that role.
After battling through an injury-plagued 2025 season, the former No. 9 overall pick enters training camp healthy and confident that he can become Chicago’s No. 1 wide receiver alongside quarterback Caleb Williams.
“Oh, I’m ready for it,” Odunze told ESPN. “I’m 100% confident in it.”
“Oh, I’m ready for it. I’m 100% confident in it.”
Breakout year incoming? 👀
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That confidence comes after a frustrating season that ended prematurely due to a lingering foot injury.
Bears’ Rome Odunze Using Difficult 2025 Season as Motivation
Odunze’s 2025 campaign never unfolded the way he envisioned.
The Bears receiver dealt with a persistent stress fracture in his foot that developed around the midpoint of the season.
The injury ultimately forced Chicago to shut him down late in the year after he aggravated it during pregame warmups before a Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
“He was devastated,” Odunze’s mother, Necia Bunnell, told ESPN. “I could hear it in his voice.”
Despite the setback, Odunze believes the adversity helped prepare him for the next stage of his career.
“Your career is going to invite those moments of adversity,” Odunze said. “That’s the moment that I was in, and I embraced that. I know I’m better for it to be able to go through something like that and have the season that I did that brought me to that sort of disappointment.”
Even while playing through the injury, Odunze remained productive.
Adds that he’s very tough and earned respect for gutting out the injury last season.
He finished the regular season with 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games. His target volume also highlighted the growing trust Williams has in him, as he was targeted 90 times despite missing five games.
Bears coaches remain confident that the best version of Odunze is still ahead.
“You go back and you pull [the contested catches he made in college] from that film, match it up with the plays he has made in the NFL,” wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El said. “The one thing you get is like, all right, the confidence is restored.”
Odunze Ready to Fill DJ Moore’s Void
The Bears’ receiver room underwent a dramatic change when Moore was traded this offseason. Odunze revealed that Moore personally texted him before the deal became official.
“It was tough for sure,” Odunze said. “DJ’s my brother. He was a big mentor for me being here, and I’m happy he’s now with a great team, a contender that has awesome players as well.”
While losing Moore was difficult, Odunze understands the opportunity now sitting in front of him.
“I’m excited to kind of fill that role that he was playing here and kind of absorb some of that void collectively,” he added.
Chicago expects several pass catchers to contribute, including rookie Luther Burden III, tight end Colston Loveland and veteran additions Kalif Raymond and Scotty Miller. Still, Odunze appears positioned to become the primary outside target in Ben Johnson’s offense.
After spending the offseason strengthening his foot, working extensively with Williams and refining his technique, Odunze believes he’s prepared for the increased responsibility.
“The biggest thing for me is my actions daily,” Odunze said. “I feel like if I take the proper steps daily, I’m doing the right things and people will be able to follow.”
With Moore gone and expectations rising, the Bears are counting on Odunze to make the leap from promising young receiver to true WR1 in 2026.
Bears’ Rome Odunze Makes Feelings Clear on DJ Moore Trade, WR1 Role