The Chicago Bears are making waves ahead of free agency with a significant trade, sending wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. This move frees up over $15 million in cap space and paves the way for Luther Burden to step into the number two receiver role behind Rome Odunze.
However, it does leave a void in the WR3 position. Enter De’Zhaun Stribling, a promising prospect who could fill that gap, as the Bears consider him during their latest 30 visit, well ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stribling, a standout receiver, has caught the attention of several teams, including the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His journey through college football saw him make stops at Oklahoma State and Washington State before making a splash at Ole Miss. Last season, Stribling showcased his talent with 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns over 15 games with the Rebels.
At the Ole Miss Pro Day, Stribling turned heads with his impressive 4.36-second 40-yard dash. His agility was on full display with a 4.34-second short shuttle and a 6.9-second three-cone drill.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Stribling brings a rare combination of size and speed, making him an appealing option for the Bears' offense. He could thrive on the outside, while Burden takes the slot, offering head coach Ben Johnson a dynamic weapon if they secure him.
While the Bears have other pressing needs, such as an edge rusher and safety, adding another wide receiver in the second or third round could provide a significant boost, reminiscent of the impact Burden had last season.