{"id":32974,"date":"2026-07-16T16:33:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T16:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/32974\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T16:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T16:33:15","slug":"chicago-bears-insider-noted-rome-odunzes-future-in-doubt-chicago-bears-chicitysports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/32974\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears insider noted Rome Odunze’s future in doubt Chicago Bears ChiCitySports"},"content":{"rendered":"

Things can change quickly in the NFL, and Chicago Bears<\/a> wide receiver Rome Odunze<\/a> is on the hot seat in training camp.<\/p>\n

Odunze, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, is facing a pivotal year in Year 3 while coming off of a stress fracture in his left foot. The receiver told reporters this spring that he has a \u201cnew normal<\/a>\u201d after the injury.<\/p>\n

This is my new normal,\u201d Odunze said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not from a standpoint that I\u2019m always in pain, but the way my foot broke, there\u2019s callouses in there that create a different type of foot structure with those bones \u2014 different types of things that kind of shift things around.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo my new normal is kind of what I am going into.\u201d<\/p>\n

Courtney Cronin of ESPN named Odunze as one of five players that have the most to show in training camp this summer. Luther Burden III<\/a> had a phenomenal rookie season, and he could usurp Odunze as the WR1 after DJ Moore<\/a> was traded to the Buffalo Bills this offseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Odunze\u2019s \u201cnew normal\u201d allows him to live up to his status as the No. 9 draft pick, then his career trajectory will continue moving upward,\u201d Cronin wrote<\/a>. \u201cBut with a hungry Luther Burden III also eyeing the distinction as the Bears\u2019 top wideout, Odunze has to prove he can cement himself in that role.\u201d<\/p>\n

More News: Chicago Bears have \u2018trust\u2019 issues with Kyler Gordon: Ben Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Rome\"RomeJun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) run on the field during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

More News: Chicago Bears: When Maxx Crosby could be available for trade<\/a><\/p>\n

Odunze was Caleb Williams<\/a>\u2019 No. 1 receiver until the injury. He wound up finishing third in receiving with 661 yards and six touchdowns on 44 receptions. Tight end Colston Loveland<\/a> became the Bears\u2019 leading receiver last season after Odunze\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n

The Bears believe Odunze will still be a key contributor this season despite the changes to the receiver\u2019s foot. That\u2019s not the question heading into training camp.<\/p>\n

The question is what will the Bears\u2019 long-term vision of Odunze be going into the offseason? Odunze will be eligible for a contract extension after the season is over. They could decide to pick up his fifth-year option during the 2027 offseason.<\/p>\n

All of those decisions will depend on the output Odunze has this season.<\/p>\n

The Bears have a plethora of riches at tight ends and receivers, which means it will be hard for Chicago to keep all of those hands on the team when Williams eventually signs a mega-quarterback deal.<\/p>\n

For More Chicago Sports:<\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig<\/a>,\u00a0and follow us\u00a0@ChiCitySports23<\/a>. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here!<\/a> Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.<\/a>Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

\"Colston\"Colston<\/p>\n

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