Rome Odunze aims for breakout year as Bears prepare for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 5:40 PM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
The Chicago Bears are preparing for the 2026 NFL season with wide receiver Rome Odunze featured as the No. 9 most important player. After a strong start to the 2025 season, Odunze faced setbacks due to injury but is now fully healthy. With the departure of DJ Moore, Odunze will take on a larger role, needing to establish himself as a top receiver for the Bears. Training camp will be crucial as he looks to build chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams and improve on past inconsistencies.
- •Odunze had 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 2025.
- •He’s the most tenured receiver on the team following DJ Moore's trade.
- •Odunze is fully healthy after recovering from a foot injury.
- •Training camp will focus on building chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams.
- •The Bears aim to build on their NFC North title from 2025.
- 6:59 PMYahoo Sports — Why Rome Odunze is Bears player with most to prove in 2026
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Rome Odunze (No. 9)
"Our No. 9 Most Important Bear of 2026 is Rome Odunze, who is looking to prove he can be the WR1 the Bears envisioned.
"This 2026 season for Rome Odunze is a very important one for Bears' WR.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 6:59 PMWhy Rome Odunze is Bears player with most to prove in 2026
This 2026 season for Rome Odunze is a very important one for Bears' WR.
- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 5:40 PM30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Rome Odunze (No. 9)
Our No. 9 Most Important Bear of 2026 is Rome Odunze, who is looking to prove he can be the WR1 the Bears envisioned.
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