Rookie Receiver Burden Secures Unprecedented Fully Guaranteed $10.9M NFL Deal

In a groundbreaking move, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III has reached an agreement with the Chicago Bears on a fully guaranteed, $10.965 million contract. This historic deal marks the first time the 39th overall pick in the draft has secured a fully guaranteed rookie contract, a rarity even in an era of record-breaking deals for top selections.

Burden, who registered impressive college stats with 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Missouri Tigers, is expected to play a significant role in the Bears' revamped offense alongside quarterback Caleb Williams. With contract negotiations now complete, Burden can focus on building chemistry with Williams and finding his place in an offense that is being retooled for long-term success.

Prior to finalizing Burden's deal, the Bears had already signed several members of their 2025 draft class, including a first-round tight end and a second-round offensive tackle. This move by the Bears could force teams and agents across the league to reconsider how rookie contracts are structured, potentially leading to more fully guaranteed deals beyond the first round.

In May, Burden had issued a warning to teams that passed on him in the draft, saying, "That's staying with me forever. Everybody who passed up on me gotta pay." Now, the young receiver has the opportunity to prove he's worth every dollar on the field as he embarks on his NFL career with the Chicago Bears.