The Chicago Bears‘ offense has been so much better this season, thanks to the arrival of Ben Johnson as head coach and the improvement of quarterback Caleb Williams. However, changes don’t always benefit everybody when they happen. For two years, DJ Moore was the unquestioned #1 target in the Bears’ passing attack. He should’ve made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and was still effective last year despite Williams’ inconsistency. However, it appears things have been going in the wrong direction for him this season, especially over the past month.
Sunday night in Green Bay was Moore’s worst performance of the season, catching only one pass for -4 yards. Since week ten against New York, the 28-year-old has been targeted 22 times. He has just nine catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. The vast majority of that production came in the win over Pittsburgh, who have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Some are starting to wonder if this could be Moore’s last season in Chicago. NFL insider Gregg Rosenthal voiced that after the game.
DJ Moore has left himself dangerously vulnerable.
The Bears had viewed him as a core part of their passing game, which is why they extended him in July of last year. However, the improvement of Rome Odunze (pre-foot injury) and ascent of rookie Luther Burden have changed the perception. Is paying DJ Moore $28.5 million next year really worth it? There is a strong case to be made that it isn’t. Chicago only has $2.8 million in cap space. They need a way to create more. Trading the veteran receiver would free up $16 million, while also netting some additional draft help.
It isn’t an easy decision. Moore can be so valuable when he’s in a groove. The unfortunate reality is he doesn’t seem to be in one as often these days. Maybe it’s his chemistry with Williams. Maybe it’s his lack of comfort in Johnson’s offense. Whatever the case, his impact does not match what the Bears are paying him. If that doesn’t change before the end of the season, it will be time for GM Ryan Poles to make a decision on what to do with him. That contract may prove difficult to move, but the demand for proven receivers is always high in the NFL.
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