The discourse around veteran wide receiver DJ Moore has been up and down for the Chicago Bears this season. After some promising games in Weeks 15 and 16, Moore fell flat to close out the campaign, putting the Bears right back in the same place that they were earlier this season
In the loss to the Lions, Moore finished with one catch (three targets) for 11 receiving yards. In the third quarter, with 7:45 remaining on the clock, quarterback Caleb Williams launched a deep pass to Moore, but the pass was intercepted by Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox.
Chicago fans were annoyed by Moore's effort on the play, as he didn't even jump to break up the pass. That didn't sit right and isn't the way Moore wanted to enter the postseason, potentially putting his future in the Windy City in jeopardy.
DJ Moore's Outlook is Trending Downward Before Bears' Playoff Run
The Bears have been without WR Rome Odunze since Week 14, while rookie Luther Burden has dealt with a couple of injuries. That put more pressure on Moore in the passing game. In Weeks 15 and 16, Moore combined for nine catches (12 targets) with 166 receiving yards and three touchdowns, looking like he was hitting his groove at the right time. Unfortunately, it looks like the turnaround was a temporary mirage.
Between Weeks 17 and 18, Moore secured only two catches (seven targets) for 18 receiving yards. Now for the season, the 28-year-old finished with 50 catches for 682 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The catches and receiving yards were the lowest of his career, leading to fans asking for him to be released or traded.
The defense has some holes that need to be filled, but the Bears will enter the offseason with $8.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Moore is slated to make $28.5 million, and since Chicago still has pass catchers like Odunze, Burden, and Colston Loveland, the door could be open to move on from the aging playmaker.
Even though he doesn't have an out in his contract until 2028, the Bears can still free up $24.5 million in cap space this season with a post-June 1-designated trade.
The Bears, as a team, have improved under head coach Ben Johnson, but Moore taking a step back can't be ignored. He already wasn't worth his price tag this season, and if his latest effort is the new norm moving forward, Chicago might be better off turning the page this offseason.
Moore's future in the Windy City will be a major talking point this offseason. His recent play has only made things worse for his outlook, giving the Bears every reason to consider a split sooner rather than later.