DJ Moore has been radio silent since the end of the Chicago Bears’ playoff run at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The last image fans have of him is of him sluggishly running a route over the middle, which contributed to another interception by Caleb Williams, allowing L.A. to drive for the winning field goal. In the minds of fans and media, Moore either half-assed the route or ran the wrong one. Either way, it was a bad look, leading some to wonder if the Bears might decide it’s time to move on. Antwaan Randle El was asked about Moore in an interview with Jarrett Payton.
The Bears’ wide receivers coach first made it clear that Moore has been an outstanding person in the locker room and has really matured. Randle El acknowledged he suffered some inconsistency issues last year, feeling he wasn’t always going full speed. That changed this year. Not only was Moore running his routes with more purpose, but he was also blocking with serious vigor.
If that weren’t enough of a sign that the team hasn’t soured on him, Moore finally made his first public appearance in over a week, responding to the interview on Twitter (X).
Antwaan Randle El makes it sound like Moore isn’t going anywhere.
Looking at the situation objectively, it isn’t difficult to see why the Bears would keep him. He made some outstanding plays for them down the stretch this season, including both game-winners against Green Bay. He’s still only 28 years old. His connection with Williams appeared to blossom. More than anything, the Bears don’t really have any reason to weaken the wide receiver room. Yes, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden look like emerging weapons. However, both have question marks. Odunze wasn’t healthy for more than half of the season. Burden is still raw.
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The common lesson in the NFL is don’t weaken your team for no reason. Moore is a good player. He helps the Bears win football games. Antwaan Randle El made it clear how much he means to the team. They have other ways to create necessary cap space. Unless there really are undisclosed concerns about his long-term health, it feels like Moore will remain with the team at least for one more year. It certainly looks like he wants to stay. Best not to let one play ruin a good thing.
