The Chicago Bears dropped the bombshell everybody had been waiting for. It was well-known GM Ryan Poles wanted to trade the #1 overall pick. His team is rebuilding. If he wants to build through the draft, he needs more picks. The Carolina Panthers obliged with an extra 2nd in 2023, a 1st in 2024, and a 2nd in 2025. However, they also went a step further by sending wide receiver D.J. Moore. This was a big surprise. Moore is 25 years old and has averaged 1,000 yards receiving over the past four seasons. Many see him as a legitimate #1 target. Now he will play with Justin Fields.
Chicago’s young quarterback didn’t have many weapons last year. Darnell Mooney was his only reliable target and he didn’t finish the season because of an ankle injury. Chase Claypool arrived via trade in October. While a talented player, he, too, suffered health setbacks. After that, it was Equanimeous St. Brown or Dante Pettis. Guys weren’t making enough plays. That should change with Moore in town. Several Bears players reacted to the news with excitement. Then Fields himself chimed in on Instagram.
Justin Fields has every reason to be happy.
When watching how Moore plays, people will likely see many similarities to former Ohio State star Chris Olave. The eventual 1st round pick of New Orleans was Fields’ favorite target in college. The two were lethal together. Olave’s mix of precise route-running and speed allowed Fields to gash offenses almost at will with his superb accuracy, especially down the field. Moore is the same type of player. He’s lightning-quick, runs sharp routes, and has enough speed to get over the top. It is almost easy for him at times.
There is no doubt Justin Fields will love him. If Mooney and Claypool stay healthy, this passing attack has a chance to be quite explosive in 2023. It is arguably the most talented group the Bears have had since Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Earl Bennett. If the team can give Fields a better offensive line, he could shine this season. At least nobody can say Poles isn’t investing in him this time. Moore is a legitimate weapon, and protection is likely on the way. Things are getting interesting.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Now there will be no excuses for fields failure and we can all move on
The Jason thing has gotten a little bizarre. DJ Moore is very solid. I’m not sure he’s a true WR 1, but the draft and free agency options aren’t deep at all. I’m reading the Bears are still very interested in Jason Smith -Njigba from Ohio State. If Mooney, Claypool, Moore, and Smith -Njigba come together, the Bears receiving group will become a real strength
OOOOOOOOOH yah this is gonna be good
Excited about free agency, they ought to add at least a tackle on offense and defense, maybe more? Keep it up bears.
Yes!! Smart move.