One subject the Chicago Bears may want to address this offseason is whether they should extend wide receiver D.J. Moore. Moore still has two years left on his contract, but time is everything. The Chicago Bears would be wise to offer D.J. Moore an extension in 2024. The Bears could let this season play out. Despite the fact that Caleb Williams is a rookie, Moore may have the best quarterback of his career. He might have a great year. Moore’s leverage will increase as he may now threaten to wait for free agency.
Aside from that, a slew of outstanding wide receivers are about to be paid, the most of which will occur this summer. Devonta Smith recently inked a $25 million average annual value contract extension. Moore’s pay cap is only $16 million per year in the remaining years of his contract, so this is a significant increase for him. It does not end with Smith. Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and Brandon Aiyuk are expected to sign new contracts this summer. Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle are also under development.
Even if Moore does not see the pay that some of them do, it will effect him. Jefferson and Lamb will not just get enormous deals; they will set the market and enhance the rate that any average receiver is expected to obtain. The Bears can attempt to get ahead of this. They have some leverage at this moment because Moore will not be paid substantially for the next two seasons, and he might obtain both a short-term windfall and long-term security. If he were injured or had a horrible year, he would not enter 2025 concerned about his next contract.
The Bears will have to pay more next year, and their estimated compensation will rise as a result of the new contracts. The Bears should at least consider offering D.J. Moore an extension.
