Here is the updated Bears' wide receiver depth after trading for DJ Moore
The Chicago Bears have made a bold move in the NFL draft, trading their No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for an impressive package that includes wide receiver DJ Moore. With the addition of Moore, quarterback Justin Fields finally has a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, something that has been lacking in the Bears' offense.
Moore is a highly underrated player who has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three of his five seasons, despite not having a talented quarterback to work with. He signed a three-year extension worth $61.88 million last offseason, so he is locked in with the Bears through 2025. With Moore's addition, the Bears have filled a major need on their roster and should see an immediate upgrade in their downfield passing game.
Darnell Mooney, a former fifth-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and could potentially land an extension before the 2023 regular season begins. Mooney has been a valuable contributor since his rookie season and became the Bears' top receiver after Allen Robinson departed in free agency. While he had a solid connection with Fields off the field, it didn't quite translate on the field, as Mooney had 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
The Bears also acquired Chase Claypool from the Steelers at the trade deadline by trading away their 2023 second-round draft pick. However, Claypool's stint with the Bears thus far has been underwhelming, with only 12 catches for 111 yards in six games. The hope is that with an offseason to learn the offense and build a rapport with Fields, Claypool will become the player the Bears traded for in November.
Equanimeous St. Brown was signed by the Bears last offseason to provide depth at the receiver position. He has been a reliable run blocker in the NFL's best run game and has brought knowledge of the scheme to the team. While he was sometimes used as the WR1 due to injuries and passing game struggles, St. Brown is a solid depth piece for next year, as the Bears have signed him to a one-year contract extension.
Overall, with the addition of Moore, the Bears' wide receiver depth chart looks much more solid heading into free agency. With Moore as the clear No. 1 option, the other young and exciting players on the roster can focus on their respective roles and contribute to the offense in other ways.
| POLL | ||
11 MARS | 232 ANSWERS Here is the updated Bears' wide receiver depth after trading for DJ Moore Do you expect D.J. Moore to be the WR! in Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 201 | 86.6 % |
| No | 31 | 13.4 % |
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