Wide receiver DJ Moore issues a resounding statement regarding his future with the Bears.
Wide receiver DJ Moore has been quite vocal about his thoughts on quarterback Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears, and now he's making a statement about his own future with the team.
The Bears acquired Moore from the Carolina Panthers in a trade that involved the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Moore has exceeded all expectations since joining Chicago, putting up career-best numbers in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364), and touchdowns (8), according to Pro Football Reference. And there's still potential for even greater success ahead.
Despite only being with the team for a single year, Moore believes he has earned the right to express his aspirations for the future. On January 17, during an interview with ESPN's Courtney Cronin, he shared his desire to retire as a member of the Chicago Bears.
"I'd like to spend at least five years here and then, who knows, maybe retire as a Bear. That's always been the goal," Moore stated. "I thought I'd be in Carolina forever. I spent five years there, and I don't want my time here to be shorter than that. I'm looking forward to it."
Moore is under contract with the Bears for at least two more years, barring any unexpected developments. Chicago acquired him on a three-year, $62 million deal ahead of the 2023 season. This means the 26-year-old wide receiver will be in the Windy City for the next two seasons unless the team decides to make a trade.
Additionally, Moore's salary cap hits in 2024 and 2025 are both $16.05 million, which is approximately $4.5 million less than his average annual earnings under the contract. This favorable structure provides the team with financial flexibility, especially considering they have more than $50 million in cap room for 2024 as of Wednesday.
Trading Moore at this point would be highly unlikely. He is arguably the most talented and explosive player on the team's offense, and any argument against that perspective seems to come from a biased standpoint.
Moore is poised to be the Bears' top wide receiver for the foreseeable future, regardless of whether Justin Fields remains the quarterback or if General Manager Ryan Poles decides to select a top prospect with the No. 1 overall pick.
Furthermore, Moore has consistently advocated for Fields to stay in Chicago and has encouraged the front office to refrain from using the top draft pick for the second consecutive year.
"I've certainly brought it up," Moore said on January 8 when discussing his support for Fields during his exit interview with the team, as reported by Adam Jahns of The Athletic. "He's the Chicago Bears' quarterback until something changes, and I don't see that happening anytime soon. We'll see."
Two days later, during the St. Brown Bros. Podcast on January 10, Moore offered his input on the upcoming draft, suggesting a trade back strategy.
"I think we should trade back," Moore proposed.
"It worked out the first time," responded Bears wide receiver and Fields' teammate, Equanimeous St. Brown.
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18 JANVIER | 1 ANSWERS Wide receiver DJ Moore issues a resounding statement regarding his future with the Bears. Will D.J. Moore have over 1 500 yards next season? | ||
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