Rome Odunze’s Second-Year Breakout Could Rewrite Bears Record Book
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Second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze could be on track for a record-setting season for the Chicago Bears
Of the many takeaways you could have from the first month of the Chicago Bears‘ 2025 season, arguably the most promising one relates to second-year receiver Rome Odunze. Coming off of a so-so rookie season in which he failed to put up the numbers many of his rookie contemporaries did, there remained plenty of optimism surrounding Odunze heading into the 2025 campaign, and in a small sample size, Odunze has proven it was all warranted.
Through the first four weeks of the season, Odunze ranks 8th in the NFL in receiving yards, 6th in yards per reception (among pass-catchers with at least 20 catches) and 2nd in receiving touchdowns. He’s clearly established himself as the preferred target of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, and amazing, Odunze finds himself on pace to at the very least threaten multiple single-season Bears receiving records.
While Chicago doesn’t have a track record of producing the most spectacular passing attacks, this is the oldest franchise in the NFL, so if any present player does anything to scale the record book, it’s notable. And while Odunze still has a long way to go to make good on this promising start, even if he ends up falling short, it’s no longer a question as to whether Odunze will become the guy the Bears hoped he would.
Assuming he keeps up at the pace he’s been at so far this season — and again, with only four games in the bank, these numbers could fluctuate greatly over the next three months — Odunze will finish the season with 85 receptions for 1,258 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns.
If those were Rome Odunze’s season-ending splits, he’d finish the year with the 13th-most receptions and 7th-most receiving yards in a single-season in Bears history, and he’d easily break Dick Gordon and Ken Kavenaugh’s shared record of 13 receiving touchdowns. Not too bad considering Odunze is only 23 years old.
Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze Are a Trio Bears Fans Can Be Excited About
Even after an offseason in which Bears general manager Ryan Poles attempted to remedy a number of Chicago’s shortcomings, there are still issues with the way this roster has been constructed. But for a second, instead of dwelling on the negatives, let’s celebrate the fact that the Bears have a head coach (Ben Johnson), quarterback (Caleb Williams) and wide receiver (Rome Odunze) trio that’s worth being
Quite literally, this has never been in the case in the century-long history of the Chicago Bears. And now all the sudden, this franchise that has been starved for offensive competency for decades is in the infancy stages of watching a quarterback and wide receiver tandem that, if all things go as planned, will end up with countless career records in Chicago.
Of course, so much of this has to do with Ben Johnson, who has made life far easier for both Williams and Odunze, utilizing the skillsets of both players in appropriate ways, and scheming up looks where Odunze is wide open down the field. That sounds like a low bar, but it’s one that Matt Eberflus couldn’t clear last year with Williams and Odunze at his disposal, and one that various coaches have failed to overcome in previous regimes with their respective QB-WR tandems.
Steelers’ perfect AJ Brown trade offer to Eagles after cryptic tweets
The Philadelphia Eagles may be undefeated, but not everything appears to be smooth in the City of Brotherly Love. After four weeks of the 2025 NFL season, star wide receiver AJ Brown has become the center of speculation following cryptic social media posts that have ignited trade rumors. For a team sitting at 4-0 and fresh off a Super Bowl run, such distractions are the last thing they need. Brown’s words and the emotion behind them, though, hint that there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a team in need of a proven, dominant wideout to elevate their offense. With veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a ‘win-now' mentality driving their roster moves, the Steelers could be the ideal trade partner if the Eagles are forced to consider life after Brown.
AJ Brown’s quiet start raises loud questions
As of October 5, 2025, AJ Brown has endured one of the slowest starts of his career. Through four games, the All-Pro receiver has tallied just 14 receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown. His average of 37.8 receiving yards per game stands in stark contrast to the 2024 campaign. That's where he averaged more than double that mark. His only standout performance came in Week 3, when he erupted for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. In his other three games combined, he’s produced only 42 yards.
Despite the Eagles’ unbeaten run so far, Brown’s subdued output has drawn attention and apparent frustration. His recent cryptic tweets, including phrases like ‘if you’re not welcomed' and ‘shrug your shoulders and be on your way,' triggered widespread speculation about his happiness in Philadelphia. Sure, Brown eventually clarified that the posts were Bible verses and not intended as trade signals. However, his subsequent comments about wanting the ball when the team ‘can’t find a way' only added to the intrigue.
“It’s fair to want the ball,” Brown said in a recent interview. “But it’s not about targets or putting numbers up. It’s about helping this team win when things stall.”
That kind of statement can reflect either the passion of a competitor or the early rumblings of a rift. Either way, it has put Brown and the Eagles back in the NFL spotlight. Teams like the Steelers are surely watching closely.
Here we'll try to look at and discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers' perfect AJ Brown trade offer to Eagles after cryptic tweets.
Why the Steelers are the perfect trade partner
If the Eagles ever entertained a trade, their in-state rivals make perfect sense. Their passing offense has shown flashes but lacks a true game-breaking weapon. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, still capable of elite play at 41, needs a target who can separate, win contested catches, and change the geometry of defenses. At least on paper, Brown checks all those boxes.
Pittsburgh has built its identity on balance and physicality. Those are both traits Brown embodies. His ability to dominate one-on-one matchups would open up the field for fellow receivers DK Metcalf and Ben Skowronek. It would also give Rodgers the kind of reliable go-to threat he hasn’t had since his Green Bay days with Davante Adams.
There is a true potential fit here. Brown’s toughness, leadership, and postseason pedigree align perfectly with the Steelers’ culture. Adding him would send a clear signal that Pittsburgh is serious about chasing another Lombardi Trophy while Rodgers’ window remains open.
The perfect trade package: balancing value and impact
Of course, acquiring a player like Brown doesn’t come cheap. The star receiver is under a lucrative three-year, $96 million contract. Philadelphia would demand significant compensation to part ways with him. Still, a creative package could make sense for both sides.
A realistic and balanced trade offer could look like this:
The Steelers receive:
– AJ Brown.
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Question 1 of 4
What did AJ Brown say his cryptic tweets actually were?
Bible verses
Trade signals
Song lyrics
Injury updates
Meanwhile, the Eagles would receive:
– 2026 and 2027 second-round picks: acknowledges Brown’s elite talent and immediate impact.
– Young offensive piece, such as wide receiver Roman Wilson or tight end Pat Freiermuth: gives the Eagles a capable, ascending playmaker to help fill Brown’s void.
This mix of draft capital and young talent gives the Steelers an offensive cornerstone without completely mortgaging their future. For the Eagles, it restores both financial and structural flexibility while adding building blocks for the post-Brown era.
Challenges and considerations for Pittsburgh
Now, the fit is enticing. And yet, the logistics are complex. Brown’s contract would carry significant cap implications. The Steelers would need to rework deals to make space. Giving up high draft picks also limits future roster building, particularly on defense. That's where reinforcements may soon be needed.
Still, for a franchise with championship DNA, this is the kind of move that defines eras. Rodgers is not a long-term solution. That said, pairing him with a receiver of Brown’s caliber could immediately vault Pittsburgh into the AFC’s upper echelon, maybe even alongside Buffalo and Kansas City.
What the trade means for both teams
If executed, this trade could represent a rare win-win. For the Steelers, it would be a bold, all-in move that redefines their offensive ceiling. Rodgers would gain a true No. 1 receiver. He would get someone who can command double coverage and elevate the passing game to Super Bowl levels.
For the Eagles, while losing Brown would sting, the return could set them up for sustained success. Jalen Hurts would still have DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert as weapons. Meanwhile, the new additions would allow Philadelphia to remain deep and adaptable. The cap relief could also help reinforce their defense, which has begun showing cracks.
Ultimately, it comes down to timing. If Philadelphia believes its offensive identity is evolving beyond Brown, the Steelers’ offer might just be too good to ignore.
Final thoughts
AJ Brown’s tweets may have been misunderstood. However, they’ve certainly opened a conversation about his future and about how aggressive teams like the Steelers might be in chasing greatness. For Pittsburgh, the opportunity to add a proven superstar at a position of need could be franchise-altering. For Philadelphia, it’s a chance to reset and retool while still contending.
