The Chicago Bears head Week 1 facing a major defensive shakeup, as three top defenders—Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and T.J. Edwards—are inactive, testing Chicago’s secondary against Minnesota’s aerial attack. Roschon Johnson and rookie Shemar Turner also sit out, while Jordan Addison’s suspension clears a path for Justin Jefferson and the Vikings’ passing game. JJ McCarthy makes his first NFL start in a Minnesota-led contest at Soldier Field, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. CST.

Without that defensive identity, Chicago must lean on youth and scheme under new coordination. Minnesota’s offense, even with Addison out, presents a challenge as Jefferson remains the primary target and the Vikings rotate pieces to exploit the Bears’ coverage. This Week 1 showdown doubles as a test of Bears resilience and Vikings depth in a highly anticipated opener.

The Chicago Bears are facing a significant setback as three of their 2025 draft picks, including second-round selections Luther Burden III and Shemar Turner, are sidelined with injuries. In addition to these two, fifth-round pick Zah Frazier is also unavailable, complicating the team's depth at critical positions during the early days of training camp. The absence of these players raises concerns about their development and readiness for the upcoming season.

Burden, known for his explosive playmaking ability, was expected to contribute immediately, while Turner, a defensive talent, aimed to bolster the Bears’ defense. Frazier's absence further exacerbates the situation, as he was anticipated to provide depth. The coaching staff will need to adjust their strategies and maximize the potential of remaining players while closely monitoring the recovery timelines of the injured prospects.

The Chicago Bears recently made headlines by securing contracts for their second-round picks, marking a historic moment in NFL history with fully guaranteed contracts. Offensive tackle Ozzy Tripilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner are now officially part of the Bears, but the spotlight shines brightest on wide receiver Luther Burden III. His contract, valued at approximately $10.965 million, is notable as it's the first fully guaranteed deal for a player selected at 39th overall. This development showcases the Bears' commitment to their future and signals a shift in contract negotiations across the league.

Burden, recognized for his explosive playmaking abilities in college, is expected to bring a dynamic presence to the Bears' offense. The recent signings mark a significant stride for the franchise, breaking away from conventional contract structures, particularly for second-round selections. The success of these negotiations may influence how other teams approach their draft picks moving forward, potentially changing the landscape of rookie contracts in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears have made significant moves by signing their second-round draft picks Luther Burden III, Ozzy Trapilo, and Shemar Turner to rookie contracts. Burden secured a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $10.965 million, marking a historic first for the 39th overall pick in NFL history. Meanwhile, Trapilo's contract guarantees the first two years and 72% of the third year. Turner's contract details remain undisclosed.

These signings follow delays in contract negotiations for second-round picks, as these players sought fully guaranteed deals similar to their first-round counterparts. The Bears' strategic approach to securing their draft talent reflects a commitment to building a strong team for the upcoming season.