Chicago Bears: Justin Fields Has a New No. 1 Target in DJ Moore
By Hunter Haas
The Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers sent shockwaves around the NFL world Friday. The Panthers traded a slew of picks to acquire No. 1 overall, but perhaps the most important part of the trade (for Justin Fields) is veteran receiver, DJ Moore.
For the entirety of the Justin Fields tenure in Chicago, Bears fans have been begging for more talent around their young quarterback. A questionable trade for Chase Claypool midseason did little to change this, as the former Steeler only eclipsed the 30-yard mark once in seven games.
After paying a steep price — essentially a first-round pick in this draft (No. 32) — general manager Ryan Poles decided that another move was necessary. Many expected the Bears to add a pass catcher this offseason, but few could have predicted this outcome.
Not only did Chicago trade down and acquire multiple second-rounders and a 2024 first-rounder, but it also brought back one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL — Carolina’s DJ Moore.
Before the 2022 season, Moore posted three straight 1,100-yard seasons from 2019-2021. Even without a steady presence behind center, Moore consistently made plays on the outside and, at times, carried the offense single-handedly.
Giving Fields a bonafide, proven WR1 will boost his development in year three. While Moore is not quite the talent of a Stefon Diggs or Tyreek Hill, he could have a similar impact on the progress of a signal-caller on a rookie deal.
Moore is an exceptional route runner and can create with the ball in his hands. In 2022, Moore’s production finally reflected the turbulent play at quarterback. He ranked outside the top 90 receivers in catchable passes. This result is inexcusable for a player like Moore.
On the surface, it may look like Moore is headed for another up-and-down season from his quarterback. However, Fields showed real progress down the stretch as a passer and will always be a threat with his legs and extending plays.
This is where Moore can make his mark. As Fields extends plays, the former Maryland superstar can find the creases in the defense and present a reliable target when things break down. A massive component of Josh Allen taking the ‘next step’ is Diggs serving as the same safety blanket.
The addition of Moore takes pressure off Fields, but it also does the same for the wide receiver corps. Looking at Darnell Mooney or the aforementioned Claypool as a No. 1 receiver is not ideal, but as No. 2 and No. 3 options? Chicago could do far worse than that trio.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy enters year two as the play caller for the Bears. Assuming the team uses its ample cap space to retain David Montgomery, the veteran ball carrier will form a fearsome duo with Khalil Herbert. Not to mention the threat Fields brings as a runner.
The Bears still have a full free agency period and even more ammo in the 2023 NFL Draft. This trade is a superb start to overhauling the roster around Fields, but more moves must be made to improve the win-loss column.
The excuses from years one and two of the Fields era are slowly drifting away. Now, with the franchise committing to the third-year player, it is time for Fields to prove his worth.
Either way, the 2023 season will tell us all we need to know about Justin Fields and the future of the Chicago Bears. Hopefully the addition of DJ Moore is enough to unlock his potential behind center — we’ll find out soon!