The Bears’ depth chart on offense got a huge boost with the addition of DJ Moore in a trade to the Panthers for the #1 pick.
It was obvious in 2022 that Bears quarterback Justin Fields didn’t have enough guns to target. The leading pass catcher was tight end Cole Kemet with 544 yards and seven touchdowns.
No NFL offense could thrive with this lack of production in the wide receiver spot. So the bears got out and did something about it.
Instead of getting sucked into the frivolous free agent market for wide receivers, they traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers for a bunch of picks and their new No. 1 wide receiver: DJ Moore.
In a down year with Carolina, Moore had 888 yards and seven touchdowns. That’s more than Chicago’s leading wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Equineumos St. Brown have collected.
There is no doubt that Moore is a huge upgrade for the Bears. His consistent production for the Panthers at such a young age and with such little quarterback certainty boded well for his time in Chicago. He posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons prior to 2022 with a different starting QB each year.
Moore would give Fields a stable target to lean on, and hopefully free Mooney and St. Brown and Chase Claypool health and others to improve their productivity as well.
Bears Depth Chart: Where DJ Moore Chicago Fits In
Quarterback Justin Fields Trevor Siemian Running Back David Montgomery (FA) Khalil Herbert Wide Receiver 1DJ MooreEquanimeous St. Louis
As you can see, this offense still needs a lot of work, particularly on the offensive line, which is pretty much in need of an overhaul.
The good news is that Moore’s addition simplifies things for the bears. They don’t have to go hunting big game at a wide receiver anymore. Now that they’ve got their first man in, they can look forward to adding valuable depth at the center.
The focus could shift entirely to the offensive line, which must be addressed through free agency and the draft.
There may be more room for work in keeping David Montgomery in Chicago as well given the reasonable price the Bears got in Moore’s contract, which includes a cap of $20 million this year and $16 million in 2024 and 2025.
