Following a promising end to last season, things are certainly trending in the right direction for the Chicago Bears. After landing franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and promising wide receiver Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago rewarded a key veteran player Tuesday night.
According to multiple reports, the Bears have signed star wide receiver D.J. Moore to a four-year extension. As wide receivers continue to be rewarded around the NFL, Moore lands a much-deserved contract to stick around in the Windy City.
D.J. Moore Lands 4-Year Extension With Chicago Bears
The Bears are reportedly signing Moore to a four-year contract extension worth a total of $110 million, including $82.6 million guaranteed. Following a flurry of massive wide receiver contract extensions this offseason, Moore’s new deal lands in the top 10, in terms of average annual value.
With an average annual value of $27.5 million, Moore is currently ranked seventh among wide receivers. He sits just ahead of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has an average annual value of $26.7 million, according to Over the Cap.
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Despite inconsistent quarterback play in Chicago last season, Moore flourished in his first season with the Bears. He reached career highs in every major statistical receiving category. Moore hauled in 96 receptions for 1,364 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
As several wide receivers around the league continue to wait for massive contract extensions, Chicago was wise to get this deal done now. CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Brandon Aiyuk will each look to reset the wide receiver market in 2024, and their potential new deals could end up making Moore’s contract look like an absolute steal for the Bears.
Bears Secure Dream Scenario Around Caleb Williams for the Foreseeable Future
It’s no secret that Williams is walking into arguably the best situation that a No. 1 overall pick has ever landed in. He’ll be throwing to a wide receiver trio that includes Moore, Odunze, and proven veteran Keenan Allen while also having Cole Kmet at tight end, D’Andre Swift at running back, and a solid offensive line.
Several young quarterbacks around the NFL likely wish they could throw to the weapons that Williams is surrounded with in Chicago. For example, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye landed in the complete opposite situation in New England.
In 2023, New England’s leading receiver was a rookie DeMario Douglas, who hauled in 49 receptions for just 561 receiving yards. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Williams will be throwing to two wide receivers that eclipsed 1,200 receiving yards last season in Moore and Allen.
Lock in, lock down 🔒 pic.twitter.com/wgQgtinq25
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 30, 2024
Kmet also hauled in 73 receptions for 719 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns in 2023. Odunze was viewed as one of the top wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although Allen is under contract for just one more season with the Bears, it’s clear Chicago is building a strong foundation around Williams for the foreseeable future.
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Following Moore’s massive extension, Chicago’s dynamic trio is now under contract for at least the next four seasons. Moore is now signed through 2029, and Williams and Odunze could be under contract for the same amount of time if the Bears opt to exercise each player’s fifth-year option.
After years of mediocrity, the Bears are certainly on the rise in 2024. Chicago has now locked in the core of the team’s passing game for the foreseeable future. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done a fantastic job revamping the team’s roster; now it’s time for the players to perform on the field.