Something weird was going on with DJ Moore last season. While his production dipped, it wasn’t because of his ability. He still caught plenty of passes and made big plays. Most of the concern came from his conduct on the sidelines. People noticed his body language and a clear disconnect with quarterback Caleb Williams. It had been well known that Moore liked Justin Fields and encouraged the Chicago Bears to keep him. Some feared that loyalty might be poisoning his relationship with the rookie. Was he becoming a locker room problem?
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Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog wrote a fascinating column for Sports Mockery to investigate the matter. People he knows around the league don’t believe it ever got to a point where Moore was a locker room issue. It was about him not understanding the growing pains of a rookie quarterback. He’s played his entire career with veterans. That said, one thing is clear. The receiver won’t get away with such things under this new coaching staff. If they sense he’s not buying in, they will move on. Chicago has already been receiving calls about his availability.
What’s up with DJ Moore? “This is the most important season of his career. He has to buy into what Ben preaches because if he doesn’t, they’ll move on. Multiple teams have called about him but the Bears weren’t even listening.”
DJ Moore controls his own destiny in Chicago.
They don’t want to move on from him. Plenty of people in the building still support the talented receiver. He has plenty of good years left and remains under contract through 2028. That said, the Bears have positioned themselves with leverage to trade him if necessary. They drafted Rome Odunze last year and now have added Luther Burden in the 2nd round last month. If necessary, there is another talent in that room to survive without DJ Moore. Smart money says it won’t come to that. Moore is about to play under the best offensive mind he’s ever encountered. Ben Johnson knows exactly how to utilize a receiver of his skill set. All he has to do is embrace the work. It won’t be surprising if he has a great year.
