Not many things have gone right for the Chicago Bears this year. Whether it’s been an injury to their quarterback, or just overall frustrating play that has led to their 2-7 start, there hasn’t been much in the 2023 season that has warranted celebration for the team from the Windy City. However, one exception may be WR DJ Moore.
With an eye for the future, and the team looking ahead to two possible top-five picks in next year’s NFL Draft, Moore has seemed to be the only bright spot the Bears could get up and root for in 2023. The trade that brought him to Chicago from the Carolina Panthers may be the highlight of the offseason, and it could be the best move Ryan Poles has made yet.
Let’s take a closer look at Moore and his time spent in Carolina ahead of the two teams’ Thursday Night Football clash.
DJ Moore’s Time in Carolina
Thursday Night Football pits two cellar-dwelling teams against each other, but do not tell Moore that there’s nothing on the line. Thursday night looks to be a chance at revenge for the once Carolina Panther, as he hopes to make the team that drafted him — then traded him away — pay for their decision.
After a stellar college career at the University of Maryland, Moore was drafted by the Panthers with the 24th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Moore went on to spend five seasons in Carolina where he started 73 games and tallied 363 receptions, 5,201 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns during his tenure.
MORE: Best Wide Receivers in the NFL 2023
This past March, the Bears sent the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Moore, the No. 9 overall selection, a 2023 second-rounder, a 2024 first-rounder, and a 2025 second-round pick.
This trade was a haul for the Bears, getting draft capital to build their future, as well as Moore being a piece that can help now and for years to come.
Moore Since Joining the Bears
Since coming to the Bears, Moore has felt like the only thing worth cheering for this season. He has jumped right in and got comfortable with his new team, and the numbers show it. Moore has started all nine games this season and is on pace to have the best statistical season of his career, as he currently has 47 receptions, 735 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
The Bears hope their future looks bright, as they look to build within free agency and the draft. The addition of Moore has at least begun to look like a step in the right direction for them.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
