The Chicago Bears entered the offseason facing a significant setback after losing wide receiver DJ Moore. The 28-year-old’s departure leaves a major gap in the offense and raises questions about the team’s direction. Head coach Ben Johnson addressed the situation and revealed how the team will adjust moving forward.

The Bears traded the star receiver to the Buffalo Bills in March in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick. The move cleared significant salary cap space but removed the primary target for quarterback Caleb Williams.

Moore was a key part of Chicago’s passing offense and among its most dependable players. He excelled in creating separation and gaining extra yards after catching the ball. With him gone, the Bears lose both his on-field performance and his experience as a veteran leader.

Chicago Bears’ coach Ben Johnson on next steps following DJ Moore’s departure

Johnson, in his second season as Bears’ head coach, recently addressed the unfortunate development of losing a cornerstone player. He indicated that the team will not designate a direct successor to Moore’s WR1 role immediately. Instead, the coaching staff plans to replace the wideout’s production using players beyond just the receiving group.

“It’s a competition between the receiver room, the tight end room and the running back room,” Johnson said, via Mark Carman of the “CHGO Bears” podcast.

The wide receiver group is now shifting its focus to developing younger talent like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. These high-draft picks from the past two seasons must now handle increased defensive scrutiny. To assist in the transition, the Bears signed former Detroit Lions veteran receiver Kalif Raymond to a one-year deal in mid-March.

There will also be pressure on the team’s tight ends to be dependable targets for the quarterback. Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland have long arms and can make important catches to keep drives going. The Bears could potentially utilize two-tight-end formations more often in the upcoming season.

As the 2026 campaign approaches, Johnson is focusing on improving the offense that helped Chicago win last year’s NFC North title.

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The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 season with questions about how new head coach Ben Johnson would get the ball to all of his playmakers.

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With DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze at wide receiver and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland available for quarterback Caleb Williams, there was only so many targets Johnson could get to his receivers every game.

Before the trade deadline, the Bears were receiving interest for Moore.

During an appearance on ESPN at the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he called about Moore to help quarterback Josh Allen in the second half of the season.

The Bears weren’t ready to part with Moore. However, Chicago changed its mind before the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, in February.

“(Moore) was one of the guys that we called and checked,” Beane said. “And Chicago shut it down. They were trying to make a run.

“But I think they at least knew there was interest, and they reached back out when we got to Indy (for the NFL combine) and said, ‘Hey, you know, maybe we’d be open if something made sense.’ And we (were) fortunate to be able to figure that out.”

Moore made an impact for the Bears after the trade deadline, catching key touchdown passes in their two wins over the Green Bay Packers, including in the wild-card game. He also left Chicago on a sour note, appearing to give up on a route that turned into an interception in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

Chicago Bears choice to trade DJ Moore wasn’t easy

More News: Bears just gave Ben Johnson a gift before 2026 NFL Draft

Earlier this week, Johnson told reporters that he was emotional when the Bears chose to trade Moore this offseason.

“I got a little emotional when the trade happened,” Johnson said, via Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. “He came in and he made his rounds saying goodbye to the coaches and Ryan (Poles) and his crew. It hurts because I viewed him as one of the leaders. Yet the business is the business.

“We had to make some decisions in terms of salary cap and things of that nature.”

Johnson noted that Moore is going to a good situation, reuniting with Joe Brady, the new head coach of the Bills.

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The Chicago Bears recently traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The move sparked reactions not only from his teammates but also from head coach Ben Johnson.

Moore had become an integral part of the Bears’ offense, so the move caught many by surprise. Chicago agreed to trade him, along with a late-round draft pick, to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection.

The decision was largely driven by the need to address Chicago’s salary cap issues. Trading Moore will free up approximately $16.5 million in salary cap space, giving the Bears increased financial flexibility.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson admits difficulty in letting go of DJ Moore

Johnson recently expressed how Moore’s departure was a particularly difficult moment for him. The Bears’ coach, who holds deep respect for the star receiver, admitted the transition was emotional.

“I love DJ,” Johnson said, via Mark Carman of the CHGO Bears podcast. “I got a little emotional when the trade happened and he came in and he made his rounds saying goodbye to the coaches and [general manager Ryan Poles] and his crew.

“It hurts because I viewed him as one of the leaders. Yet the business is the business.”

Though he felt the sting of losing a veteran player, Johnson expressed happiness for Moore. The 28-year-old reunites with former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is now the Bills’ head coach.

“I think the best thing for him is, he’s going to a great situation,” Johnson said. “He’s got a history with Joe Brady. I think he’s very excited to play with another talented quarterback in Josh Allen. I think we’re putting him in a great spot.”

However, Johnson maintained that the trade was a necessary move for the team’s future. 

“I’ve been a part of some of those trades in my past where you move on from a guy and he’s not necessarily going to a great situation. I’m happy for him. Yet I feel like it was probably the move we needed to make,” he added.

 Moore joined the Bears in 2023 after being traded from the Carolina Panthers. He quickly emerged as the team’s top offensive weapon. The veteran wideout set a career high with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season.

In 2024, Moore increased his reception total to 98 but finished with 966 yards and six touchdowns. His production further declined in 2025 as the Bears focused on younger offensive talent. Moore finished the season with 50 catches for 682 yards.

Despite the drop in numbers, Moore became a key leader, mentoring rookies like wide receiver Rome Odunze. His leadership on and off the field was vital for the Bears’ success in 2025. His guidance helped the team finish 11-6 and win the NFC North title for the first time since 2018. 

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One of the difficult decisions the Chicago Bears made this offseason was to trade DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The wide receiver was a key part of the Bears’ passing attack, having formed a triumvirate with tight end Colston Loveland and quarterback Caleb Williams.

In exchange, the Bears got a 2026 second-round draft pick and a 2026 fifth-round selection. The Bills also guaranteed $15.5 million of Moore’s $23.5 million base salary in 2028. 

Many were dismayed with the Bears decision to let go of Moore, including his teammates. Loveland, anmong others, was saddened by the news. Many of the fans also expressed their disappointment by commenting on the Bears’ announcement. 

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles gets flak from his son after DJ Moore decision

Another supporter who got upset with the trade was the son of Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ son is .

“I knew that it was going to be tough for the organization,” Poles told reporters. “I mentioned this before, my son is a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears. He was not very happy with me at all.”

Poles revealed that Moore was kind enough to send his son, Mason, a video.

“I thank DJ, who sent him a video, told him not to be mad at dad because it was part of the business,” Poles said.  

#Bears GM Ryan Poles says his son was upset that DJ Moore was traded to the Bills, so Moore was kind enough to send him a video telling him not to be upset with his dad and that it’s just part of the business. pic.twitter.com/bP7rysdcq0

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2026

While Poles did explain that the trade was a business move, he mentioned Luther Burden III as a key factor. Drafting Burden III made it easier for the Bears to move on from Moore, explained Poles. 

Moore departs Chicago after having one of the lowest-performing campaigns in his career. He managed only 50 receptions and 682 yards in 2025, though he scored six touchdowns.

The Bills are Moore’s third team in his eight years in the NFL. He spent five seasons with the Carolina Panthers before his stint in Chicago. 

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The Chicago Bears have made difficult decisions this offseason, including trading wide receiver DJ Moore. The Bears sent Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick. This decision has drawn a slew of reactions from both the fans and the players, including tight end Colston Loveland. 

While Moore was a vital part of the Bears’ offense, his 2025-26 performance was the lowest in his career. He did score six touchdowns, but only managed a career-low 50 receptions and 682 yards. One of the reasons the Bears parted ways with Moore is Luther Burden III.

To a certain extent, Moore’s trade was set in motion when the Bears drafted Burden III, who had a promising rookie season. “You look at what Luther did, again, that’s why you followed the draft board,” said general manager Ryan Poles. 

DJ Moore trade leaves Chicago Bears rookie TE Colston Loveland speechless

“I did not expect Luther Burden to be where he was. He showed up and showed some big-time flashes. Every time that dude touched the ball special things could happen,” Poles added.

Poles explained that “obviously [Loveland] is a special player as well. With that said, you have to look at different moves that are going to help you continue to build your football team, and that’s what we felt was best.”

Loveland, however, had no words to describe the unfortunate news stemming from the Bears’ decision to trade Moore. He replied to the video Moore posted on Instagram with a freezing face emoji. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

Loveland forged a deep connection with Moore, who helped him settle into the NFL in his rookie year. Their chemistry was undeniable as together with quarterback Caleb Williams, they formed the Beas passing attack.

Moore, for his part, said, “It was good. It was fun. The atmosphere was amazing. … I look forward to getting back there with the Bills and going further.”

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New Buffalo Bills and former Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is excited to start his new journey with quarterback Josh Allen. Moore referred to the 2024 Associated Press MVP as a “field general.”

“It’s a warm welcome, I’m just glad to be here,” Moore said to Michael Baca of NFL.com. “[Allen] is ready for me to get there and get going.”

“He’s a field general,” Moore said of Allen. “You see him out there trying to conduct things and the way he does it, is successful, and I just want to be a part of that.”

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Moore had a down year with the Bears, having 682 yards receiving, but had six touchdowns. Moore is three seasons removed from a 1,000+ yard season (2023, 1,364 yards).

DJ Moore got a taste of winning while with the Bears, but expects to “further” with the Buffalo Bills

“Last year was my first winning season, so I got a taste of what everybody has been getting a taste of here in Buffalo,” Moore said. “It was good. It was fun. The atmosphere was amazing. … I look forward to getting back there with the Bills and going further.”

“[Go] out there every day and just getting better [by] one percent,” Moore said of Brady’s coaching style. “The little things or the most needed things that we needed to focus on, he always harped on them; and he never took his foot off the gas.”

Under head coach Joe Brady — Brady previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2024-25 and was Allen’s quarterbacks coach starting in 2022 — the Bills had the fourth-best offense in the NFL (376.3 yards). Brady helped Allen become a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and finish in the top five for MVP five times.

DJ Moore won’t be around when the Chicago Bears start winning

2025 was Moore’s first winning season with the Bears (11-6) — the Bears went 12-22 from 2023 to 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams and Moore played together only in 2024 and 2025, when Moore saw a drop in production.

After winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018, the Bears are only scratching the surface of their potential. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears ranked sixth-best offense (369.5 yards).

The post DJ Moore expects the Buffalo Bills to go ‘further’ than the Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore made sure to look back with gratitude as he turns the page to a new chapter. 

The Bears traded Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Chicago also sent a fifth-round pick to complete the deal. 

Moore spent three seasons in the Windy City, averaging 81 catches, 1,004 yards and 6.7 touchdowns per year. 

He was a key piece of the Bears’ breakthrough 2025 campaign. Chicago finished 11-6, captured the NFC North title and earned the franchise’s first postseason win since 2010. 

Through it all, Moore made clear he will always cherish his time as a Chicago Bear.

NFL: DJ Moore reposts Chicago Bears’ tribute after trade to the Buffalo Bills

The Bears honored their hardworking former wide receiver with a touching video tribute celebrating his time in a Chicago uniform. 

The Instagram post featured a graphic and a heartfelt message.

“For your hard work, your dedication to the community and of course, THAT catch. Thank you, DJ,” posted the Bears. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chicago Bears (@chicagobears)

The tribute nodded to Moore’s iconic 46-yard game-winning touchdown catch in overtime against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 20. That epic play sealed a 22-16 Bears victory at Soldier Field.

Moore appreciated the kind gesture. He reposted the tribute via Instagram stories, adding a folded hands emoji, a shooting star and a peace sign. 

It was a fitting final exchange between a player and a franchise that gave each other plenty to remember.

Moore’s time in Chicago was brief but left a lasting mark. Over three seasons, he appeared in all 51 regular-season games and remained a dependable weapon.

When quarterback Caleb Williams took the keys to Ben Johnson’s offense, Moore shone even more. He notched 50 receptions, 682 yards and six touchdowns in his final year in a Bears uniform. 

Both sides now move forward with purpose. Moore heads to Buffalo with familiar faces and a fresh opportunity. The Bears charge ahead with a rising core and championship ambitions. 

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The Chicago Bears continue to be active this NFL offseason. They have sent the prolific wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round pick. Moore has been with the Bears since 2023 and has started all 17 games in each of his three seasons with Chicago.

The 28-year-old wide receiver was great for the Bears. In his three years in the Windy City, he had 244 receptions for a total of 3,012 yards. He also had 20 touchdowns on top of that. However, his role diminished slightly in 2025. Moore was targeted 140 times in 2024, but that number fell to 85 in the past season.

Moore is expected to be more of a threat with the Bills in 2026.

Former Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore expresses excitement for Buffalo Bills move

Moore will have the opportunity to elevate his game with the Bills. The Philadelphia native will now join 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen in Buffalo. This means the incoming wide receiver will have a lot of opportunities to showcase his skills with the Bills.

After confirming his trade, the official Bills account shared a post highlighting their new acquisition.

“It’s lovely to have @idjmoore as a Buffalo Bill. ” the caption read. 

Moore sent a message to Bills fans.

“Bills Mafia. DJ Moore here, I’m checking in,” he said. “It’s lovely. Let’s Go!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills)

It’s no wonder that Moore is excited to have a fresh start with the Bills. He will look to replicate his first season with the Bears. In his first year with Chicago, he had career highs of 1,364 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.

With Allen leading the offense for the Bills, Moore should slot in easily and feel at ease in Buffalo.

The post DJ Moore’s first words for Buffalo Bills after Chicago Bears trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet hated to see one of his most cherished teammates walk out the door.

Kmet has been a steady presence in Chicago over five seasons, averaging 46 receptions and 512 yards per year. The 27-year-old played a key role in the Bears’ remarkable turnaround last season. He hauled in 30 receptions for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns across 16 games. 

Chicago finished 11-6, captured the NFC North title and earned the franchise’s first postseason win since 2010. 

But beyond the wins and the stats, Kmet has always valued the bonds built inside the building. He considers his teammates brothers, and saying goodbye to one of the most beloved figures in that locker room hit close to home.

Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet wishes DJ Moore well after trade to Buffalo Bills

One of the offseason’s most shocking moves sent wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Chicago also sent a fifth-round pick to complete the deal. 

Moore gave the Bears three dependable seasons, appearing in all 51 regular-season games. He finished his tenure with 244 catches, 3,012 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

The 28-year-old accepted the business side of the move but made sure to leave Chicago with grace. 

Moore took to Instagram with a lengthy farewell post, thanking the city, his coaches, teammates and fans. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

The tribute resonated across the locker room. Kmet, who forged a close bond with Moore, dropped a simple but heartfelt reply.

“Love you dude,” Kmet wrote, reacting to the unfortunate news.  

Wide receiver Rome Odunze wrote: “Much love fam.” 

Tight end Colston Loveland responded with a sad face emoji. Safety Kevin Byard added two heart emojis in the Bears’ signature colors. It was a fitting send-off from a team that grew as tight as any in the league.

Moore will be dearly missed in Chicago, but the Bears move forward with momentum.

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DJ Moore’s trade to the Buffalo Bills sparked reactions from Chicago Bears teammates, including wide receiver Rome Odunze.

The Bears’ move stunned many, partly because the veteran receiver signed a four-year, $110 million extension in July 2024. This extension was expected to keep him under contract with Chicago through the 2029 season. He also has four 1,100-yard seasons in his eight-year career and remains one of the league’s proven No. 1 receivers.

Despite a down season in 2025, Moore was healthy and still capable of producing at a high level. Chicago also has emerging wide receivers like Odunze and Luther Burden III, who could have flourished under his mentorship. Teams rarely trade a cornerstone veteran with years remaining on his deal while keeping young talent that could use his guidance.

Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze reacts to DJ Moore’s farewell

After Moore learned the Bears traded him to the Bills, he shared a farewell message on Instagram. The 28-year-old wide receiver thanked fans, teammates, and team staff for their support over his three seasons in Chicago.

“Chicago!! … My family and I were proud to call this place home,” Moore wrote, reflecting on the connections he made during his tenure. “To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here… To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day… You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

Odunze responded warmly to Moore’s heartfelt goodbye, writing, “Much love fam.”

The 23-year-old wide receiver’s message reflected the strong bond and mutual respect between him and Moore. However, his post also drew comments from Bears fans urging him to step up after Moore’s departure.

“It’s your time,” a fan commented.

“They handing you the keys fam,” another said.

“Step up,” a supporter wrote.

“@romeodunze you were the #9 pick in the 2024 NFL draft time to play like it,” another commented.

Moore joined the Bears in 2023 in a trade with the Carolina Panthers and quickly became the team’s primary offensive weapon. He finished his first season with a career-high 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. In the 2024 campaign, he recorded a career-high 98 receptions and six touchdowns, although his yardage fell to 966 yards.

His production declined further in 2025 as the Bears increasingly relied on younger offensive weapons. He finished with only 50 catches for 682 yards. But throughout the season, the veteran leader served as a mentor to Odunze and other young players.

Even as his production dipped, Moore’s leadership on the sidelines and in practice helped the rookies develop. His mentorship contributed to Chicago’s success in 2025 as the Bears finished 11-6 and captured their first NFC North title since 2018.

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The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world this week by trading star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. While the deal is still being finalized, fans are processing the loss of one of the team’s top players. The trade sparked a range of reactions, from shock to disappointment, with quarterback Caleb Williams also weighing in on Moore’s departure.

Moore had become a key part of Chicago’s offense and a fan favorite, so the move caught many by surprise. Chicago agreed to trade Moore, along with a late-round draft pick, to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection.

According to Bearswire, the move was largely driven by Moore’s $28.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season. Trading him will free up roughly $16.5 million in salary cap space, providing the Bears with greater financial flexibility.

Caleb Williams honors DJ Moore with silent repost and highlight tribute

Moore confirmed the trade shortly after reports surfaced by posting a farewell message to Bears fans on social media. In an Instagram post, the veteran receiver thanked Chicago and said he and his family were proud to call it home.

“Chicago!! I wanna say appreciate all the love and support the last three years,” Moore wrote. “My family and I were proud to call this place home and this community has been unbelievable to us. We will miss you all.”

The 28-year-old wide receiver also acknowledged the relationships he built with fans and teammates during his time at Soldier Field.

“To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here… Hopefully I made you all proud with the way I performed,” he said. “To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day. I’ll miss seeing you all… You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!! I appreciate you all.”

Moore wrapped up his farewell with a line that struck a chord with Bears fans: “& It’s Always F……,” referencing the team’s iconic rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

The message quickly drew reactions from fans and teammates, including Williams, who acknowledged Moore’s post in a subtle way.

The 24-year-old quarterback reposted Moore’s farewell message to his Instagram Story without adding any words or a caption. Later, Williams shared another post reflecting on their time together, uploading highlights of his on-field connection with Moore.

The post, marked with a pair of orange and blue hearts, featured clips of their biggest plays from last season. Williams had the song “End of Beginning” playing in the background.

During his time with the Bears, Moore consistently led the team in receiving. He served as both a deep threat and a reliable possession option. When Williams arrived, he played a key role in guiding the young quarterback as he adapted to professional football.

The duo connected for numerous explosive plays and touchdowns over the past two seasons. Their chemistry gave Chicago a dynamic passing attack while the team built its young offensive core.

Following the trade that ended their on-field partnership, Williams used his Story to salute Moore. It also highlighted the mutual respect and partnership they shared in Chicago’s offense. Even after leaving, Moore’s contributions and his connection with Williams remain a notable part of Chicago’s recent seasons.

The post Caleb Williams had no words for Chicago Bears farewell message appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world this week by trading star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. While the deal is still being finalized, fans are processing the loss of one of the team’s top players. The trade sparked a range of reactions, from shock to disappointment, with quarterback Caleb Williams also weighing in on Moore’s departure.

Moore had become a key part of Chicago’s offense and a fan favorite, so the move caught many by surprise. Chicago agreed to trade Moore, along with a late-round draft pick, to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection.

According to Bearswire, the move was largely driven by Moore’s $28.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season. Trading him will free up roughly $16.5 million in salary cap space, providing the Bears with greater financial flexibility.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams honors DJ Moore with silent repost and highlight tribute

Moore confirmed the trade shortly after reports surfaced by posting a farewell message to Bears fans on social media. In an Instagram post, the veteran receiver thanked Chicago and said he and his family were proud to call it home.

“Chicago!! I wanna say appreciate all the love and support the last three years,” Moore wrote. “My family and I were proud to call this place home and this community has been unbelievable to us. We will miss you all.”

The 28-year-old wide receiver also acknowledged the relationships he built with fans and teammates during his time at Soldier Field.

“To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here… Hopefully I made you all proud with the way I performed,” he said. “To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day. I’ll miss seeing you all… You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!! I appreciate you all.

Moore wrapped up his farewell with a line that struck a chord with Bears fans: “& It’s Always F……,” referencing the team’s iconic rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

The message quickly drew reactions from fans and teammates, including Williams, who acknowledged Moore’s post in a subtle way.

The 24-year-old quarterback reposted Moore’s farewell message to his Instagram Story without adding any words or a caption. Later, Williams shared another post reflecting on their time together, uploading highlights of his on-field connection with Moore.

The post, marked with a pair of orange and blue hearts, featured clips of their biggest plays from last season. Williams had the song “End of Beginning” playing in the background.

During his time with the Bears, Moore consistently led the team in receiving. He served as both a deep threat and a reliable possession option. When Williams arrived, Moore played a key role in guiding the young quarterback as he adapted to professional football.

The duo connected for numerous explosive plays and touchdowns over the past two seasons. Their chemistry gave Chicago a dynamic passing attack while the team built its young offensive core.

Following the trade that ended their on-field partnership, Williams used his Story to salute Moore. It also highlighted the mutual respect and partnership they shared in Chicago’s offense. Even after leaving, Moore’s contributions and his connection with Williams remain a notable part of Chicago’s recent seasons.

The post Caleb Williams had no words for Chicago Bears farewell message appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears made arguably the biggest trade of the NFL off-season thus far, sending DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. In doing so, they cleared millions of dollars in cap space, which will allow them to address multiple needs in free agency. These could include finding a replacement for center Drew Dalman, who suddenly retired from the NFL earlier this week.

The trade ends Moore’s three tenure with the Bears. He was originally acquired by Chicago ahead of the 2023 in their blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers for the top pick in the NFL Draft that year. Famously, the Bears used the first round pick they received in return to select Caleb Williams first overall in 2024.

DJ Moore says farewell to Chicago Bears fans and gives the Green Bay Packers a parting insult

Moore’s trade to Buffalo came as the result of his massive cap hit in 2026 (and beyond) as well as the fact that his role decreased in the offense. He went from 140 targets in 2024 to just 85 in 2025 as younger wide receivers emerged.

Make no mistake, though. Moore greatly enjoyed his time in Chicago, as he stated in a farewell post to fans on his Instagram account:

Chicago!!

I Wanna Say Appreciate all the love and support the last three years. My family and I were proud to call this place home and this community has been unbelievable to us. We will miss you all.

To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here. I gave my all every time I stepped on the field and hopefully I made you all proud with the way I performed. We have some unbelievable memories at Soldier Field and you all are a huge part of them!!

To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day. I’ll miss seeing you all at Halas Hall. You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!! I Appreciate you all.

& It’s Always F……

The last line, of course, is a reference to the Green Bay Packers. Moore embraced the rivalry with Green Bay and played a big role in Chicago’s win over them in the playoffs this year.

Moore ends his three seasons with the Bears with 244 receptions, 3,012 yards, and 20 touchdowns.

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The Chicago Bears have been one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL so far this off-season. Of course, a great deal of this has to do with their rumored interest in acquiring Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Indeed, Crosby is one of the hottest names on the trade market, but his salary and Las Vegas’ asking price is steep.

Many assumed that, if the Bears were to acquire Crosby, wide receiver DJ Moore would be a part of the trade package heading to the Raiders. However, earlier today it was reported that he is actually being sent to the Buffalo Bills.

The Chicago Bears trade of DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills is a win-win

As reported here, the Bears sent Moore to the Bills in exchange for a mid-round pick. NFL insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report the deal:

Sources: The #Bears are trading veteran WR DJ Moore to the #Bills, landing Josh Allen another weapon. It’s a mid-round pick compensation going back. pic.twitter.com/vtFCiXhsbs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026

Moore ends his three seasons in Chicago having put up totals of 244 receptions, 3,012 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns.

The trade is a win-win for both teams, and for Moore himself. Chicago frees up nearly $17 million of salary cap space, which it will need to add players in free agency. This is especially important as they are primed to be serious players in the center market following the retirement of Drew Dalman. Additionally, the added cap space makes adding Crosby in a trade more feasible.

On the other hand, the trade benefits both Moore and Buffalo. The Bills did not have a clear-cut number one wide receiver, and now they do in Moore. For his part, the now-former-Bears wide receiver saw his role on the offense diminish in 2025. He went from having 140 targets in 2024 to just 85 in 2025.

Chicago can now focus on spreading the ball around to its younger pass catchers, who will continue to develop. Meanwhile, Moore has the opportunity to be the WR1 on a team that is desperate to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.

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• Jaquan Brisker predicted to leave Bears for a NFC rebuilding team

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The post Chicago Bears trade of DJ Moore to Buffalo Bills is a win-win for both teams appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears made some news on Thursday as they have agreed to trade away wide receiver DJ Moore and their 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for their 2026 second-round pick. While it is intriguing for both sides, there are a lot of reasons this trade took place. Let’s take a closer look at what the grades for this trade look like the Bears.

The Chicago Bears received an outstanding grade for trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills

NFL Insider Jeff Howe of The Athletic wrote an article discussing the grades the Bears and the Bills received for the Moore trade on Thursday. He would give Chicago the higher grade, receiving an A-, and below is his rationale:

“The Bears got out of Moore’s contract and still have wideouts Rome Odunze and Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland on rookie deals, so they’re in a better position to support other ares of the roster. Moore is still a good player, but there’s no sense in trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Moore’s production in [Ben] Johnson’s first season didn’t match his price tag. With younger players at the position, it was wise to split while Moore still had value on the trade market.”

Moore played in all 17 games for the Bears last season and recorded 50 catches on 85 targets for 682 yards (13.6 yards per reception) and six touchdown grabs. Now, he gets a chance to play with quarterback Josh Allen and return to coach Joe Brady’s offense to be the number-one wide receiver on the team.

For the Bears, this saves them $16.5 million on their cap and allows the team to potentially be in the market for another star. Moore originally was part of the trade where the Bears dealt the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. It will be intriguing to see how Moore plays and who will officially win the trade.

The post Chicago Bears receive strong grade for DJ Moore trade with Buffalo Bills appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears hinted at trading wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason.

More News: Bears insider drops crucial update on DJ Moore amid Maxx Crosby news

During the NFL combine last week, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was open about the situation with Moore before the start of free agency next week.

“So, I have nothing but great things to say about him,” Poles said. “But this is the time where we have to look at all the different scenarios and see what can allow us to put the best team we can put out there.

“There’s relationships there, there’s a lot there that makes it really, really difficult. He’s a guy we want here, but we have to look at all the different scenarios.”

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Bears are trading Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Chicago will receive a Day 2 pick for the veteran receiver.

“Sources: The Bears are trading veteran WR DJ Moore to the Bills, landing Josh Allen another weapon. It’s a mid-round pick compensation going back.

Sources: The #Bears are trading veteran WR DJ Moore to the #Bills, landing Josh Allen another weapon. It’s a mid-round pick compensation going back. pic.twitter.com/vtFCiXhsbs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026

Chicago Bears receive low value for DJ Moore trade

More News: Raiders’ Maxx Crosby wants to join Bears

The Bears needed to make the move to fill several holes on the offensive and defensive lines. The move will save a cap hit of $40 million over the next two seasons.

The Bears received DJ Moore in a trade from the Carolina Panthers that included two first-round picks, a 2023 second-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick that would become Bryce Young.

In 2025, Moore caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns. He caught key touchdowns in the Bears’ wins over the Green Bay Packers in the regular season and wild-card round.

With Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and tight end Colston Loveland expected to play a greater role in head coach Ben Johnson’s offense, it made sense for the Bears to trade Moore.

However, a mid-round pick for the explosive receiver feels like a low sell for Chicago. But it needed to be done for a roster that has many needs in several areas, especially after the surprise retirement of center Drew Dalman.

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The post Chicago Bears make bombshell trade with Bills for curious compensation: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are going after a few star NFL players before the start of the league’s new year next week.

More News: Raiders’ Maxx Crosby wants to join Bears

With center Drew Dalman retiring, the Bears have been looking at potential replacements at center, including Baltimore Ravens star center Tyler Linderbaum.

The Bears have an obvious interest in adding Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, though it’s unclear if general manager Ryan Poles is willing to part with two first-round picks and a player to make that move happen.

Chicago does have a player available to trade if they want to add a star player. With a young core of receivers and tight ends, the Bears could trade DJ Moore this offseason. (He’d be an obvious player to give to the Raiders, expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1.)

During an appearance on 670 The Score Wednesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggested the Bears could trade Moore to clear up cap space to bring in a player of need at another position.

Biggs thinks it’s becoming more likely that Moore has played his final snap for Chicago.

“They’ve been so transparent and candid about his situation that I think chances are better than not that he’s probably traded,” Biggs said.

.@BradBiggs on Bears: "(Potentially) dealing DJ Moore is not addition by subtraction. There's a plan, and it's the $16.5 million in cap space that they're going to create if they trade him is earmarked for Player A or Players A and B. You'll be able to connect it and see it." pic.twitter.com/tzPP1zPEjd

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) March 4, 2026

Chicago Bears were honest about DJ Moore’s future

More News: Bears-Raiders Maxx Crosby trade could happen soon

During the NFL combine last week, Poles said the Bears were looking at potential scenarios where Moore wouldn’t be on the team.

“So, I have nothing but great things to say about him,” Poles said. “But this is the time where we have to look at all the different scenarios and see what can allow us to put the best team we can put out there.

“There’s relationships there, there’s a lot there that makes it really, really difficult. He’s a guy we want here, but we have to look at all the different scenarios.”

Moore played a key role in beating the Green Bay Packers twice last season, including scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Packers in the wild-card round.

While he’d be a big miss for the Bears, young receivers like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III should play a greater role in head coach Ben Johnson’s offense in 2026.

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The post Chicago Bears insider drops crucial update on DJ Moore amid Maxx Crosby news appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The rumors of what the Chicago Bears will decide to do with wide receiver DJ Moore continue on. With a few years left on his contract, Moore’s cap hit is $28.5 million, and somehow getting out of that could free up some big cap space for the Bears.

But easier said than done.

Chicago might have a hard time finding someone to take on that contract and would likely have to eat some of that money. So far, we’ve seen Moore being connected to teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills. But a new team has potentially entered the mix and they also have a young quarterback.

Will the New England Patriots show interest in DJ Moore?

With the New England Patriots coming off a Super Bowl appearance, they could be poised to make a big move. Getting another weapon for quarterback Drake Maye, who is entering year three, should be the focus. Their offense struggled, mainly on the offensive line in the Super Bowl loss. But outside of Stefon Diggs, Maye doesn’t have a whole lot in terms of wide receivers.

On Wednesday, CBS Sports NFL reporter Jonathan Jones wrote on Moore and dropped a tidbit on the Patriots:

One Bears player plenty around the league are keeping an eye on is wide receiver D.J. Moore. The former first-round pick is coming off his least productive year of his career. The Patriots could be a landing spot for Moore if the Bears do a deal involving the receiver, or he could be part of a hypothetical package that goes to a needy Las Vegas team in a deal for Crosby.

Moore is entering his ninth season in the league with a contract that runs until 2029, with his guaranteed money essentially running through the 2027 season.

Moore didn’t have a huge year in 2025 for the Bears but he did come up with some big plays. The Bears now have to balance the factors of losing a wide receiver who has been productive in the past versus keeping him and having the same offensive weapons as last year.

Both Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson discussed Moore at the NFL combine and it’s clear a decision should be coming soon.

The post NFL Rumors: Top AFC team being linked to Chicago Bears WR appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has been the subject of rampant trade speculation since moments after the 2025 season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Even after the salary cap was raised by upwards of $20 million by the NFL, the Bears still have less than $1 million in cap space, and trading Moore would create an additional $16.5 million in spending flexibility for general manager Ryan Poles and Chicago to work with, while triggering a $12 million dead-money charge.

How the Chicago Bears could replace DJ Moore

In some ways, Moore became expendable this past season thanks to rookie wide receiver Luther Burden and first-round pick Colston Loveland’s emergences in quarterback Caleb Williams’ supporting cast as reliable big-play threats in the Bears’ passing game.

If the Bears do move off Moore, there could be an ideal replacement available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

According to Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman, part of the Bears’ ‘ideal’ NFL Draft haul would be adding UCONN wide receiver Skyler Bell in the third round.

“Receiver is a wild-card position for the Bears, too,” Wasserman points out for PFF. “If D.J. Moore is traded, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Chicago draft a wideout — after all, the team double-dipped at pass-catcher last April. Bell enjoyed a career season with UConn, registering an 85.1 PFF receiving grade with 8.2 yards after the catch per reception while playing both inside and out.”

Bell is a big play threat, catching 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Huskies last season, and could be a versatile piece for head coach Ben Johnson to deploy either from the slot or on the perimeter for Williams and the passing game.

The post ‘Ideal’ Chicago Bears NFL Draft haul includes burner to replace DJ Moore appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are going to be one of the most talked about teams of the NFL off-season. After an astounding turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson in 2025, the league has taken notice of what is going down in Chicago. An 11-6 record and NFC North title, along with a win in the NFL Playoffs, will do that.

As the off-season progresses, the Bears and every other team in the league will be looking for ways to improve their roster from a year ago. In Chicago, they must focus on replenishing their secondary, which is likely to get decimated by free agency. Additionally, they are going to be working on re-tooling their offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.

Due to salary cap space/fit, this means that some key contributors from last year and seasons past will not return. One of the players largely believed to be on the trading block is wide receiver DJ Moore.

Chicago Bears see DJ Moore named as trade target of the New England Patriots

As reported earlier this week, Bears general manager Ryan Poles would love to keep Moore in Chicago. However, they are aware of his salary cap hit and may be looking at other scenarios.

Since Moore is apparently on the trading block, there will be any number of teams interested in him. Sara Marshall of Musket Fire believes the New England Patriots should be one of them:

“It seems beyond clear at this point that if the Patriots want to make a massive impact on the offense this offseason, then trading for a receiver might be their best option. They won’t find what they need at the level they want in free agency, so using some of their draft capital to acquire appears to be the solution.

“At the very least, the Patriots need to seriously consider what value Moore can bring to their offense and give a trade real thought as they head into a pivotal 2026 season.”

Moore has certainly been a valuable member of the Bears team, but his receiving yard totals have been declining. He had an impressive 1,364 yards in 2023, but dipped to 966 in 2024 and 682 in 2025.

As Chicago moves forward, it is clear that they are going to be relying on their younger players more and more. It would be best for them to trade Moore for some extra draft capital, and better for Moore to go to a team where he will be utilized more.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• Bears coach sends front office message before free agency
• Bears potential trade target expected to stay with team
• Bears keeping an eye on veteran quarterback amid Tyson Bagent news

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The post Chicago Bears see DJ Moore named as priority trade target of Super Bowl contender appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears may need to go to some creative lengths to create cap space in the weeks ahead.

Currently sitting at upwards of $5.3 million over the cap, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears could look to release some high-priced veterans, restructure other contracts, or even trade a productive contributor, such as wide receiver DJ Moore, who has been the subject of rampant trade speculation since Chicago’s season ended in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Chicago Bears’ Ryan Poles acknowledges DJ Moore trade speculation

Speaking Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Poles stood firm in the Bears’ belief that Moore is a major part of head coach Ben Johnson’s offense and key to quarterback Caleb Williams’ continued ascent, but left the door wide open to any possibilities.

“We want him here,” Poles told reporters. “We think highly of him. But, this is the time now where we have to look at all the scenarios that will allow us to put the best team out there.”

After catching 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns last season, Moore’s name has consistently come up as a player who could potentially be moved in a trade, which Poles didn’t downplay.

If the Bears trade Moore, the move would create $16.5 million in cap space this offseason, while triggering a $12 million dead-money charge.

It sure sounds like that spending flexibility to build up other positions across the roster is something Poles would value.

“He’s a guy we want here,” Poles said. “But we have to look at all the scenarios.”

The post Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles breaks silence on DJ Moore trade rumors appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have been one of the teams mentioned most in trade rumors and speculation this off-season. Of course, one of the players that they have consistently been linked to is Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. In these rumors, it has been expressed that current Bears wide receiver DJ Moore could be included in the trade.

Moore, of course, was acquired by Chicago initially in the trade that also brought them the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That pick was used to select quarterback Caleb Williams.

While Moore had a productive first season with the Bears, he saw his role decline in 2025, catching 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns. He had 98 receptions for 966 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.

Chicago Bears trade proposal involves DJ Moore to the Las Vegas Raiders, but no Maxx Crosby return

In a recent article in which he named each NFL team’s dream trade target, Alex Balentine of Bleacher Report had Moore listed as the wish for Las Vegas. However, unlike other proposals involving Moore to the Raiders, Crosby was not included in this one:

“All signs point to the Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. They’ve already started the important work of putting him in a position to succeed by hiring Klint Kubiak as their head coach.

“The Chicago Bears were a prime example of what can happen when you pair a young, talented quarterback with the right head coach. Ben Johnson helped unlock a new level for Caleb Williams.

“He also had the help of a veteran receiver in D.J. Moore who was a steady veteran target. However, he’s become a luxury that the Bears might not be looking to keep. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden ready to step up, the Bears could save $16.5 million by trading him.

“Moore would be a similar asset for the Raiders rebuild. He could provide veteran leadership and a consistent target while Mendoza and the Raiders young weapons get acclimated.

“He’s only 29 so there’s still a chance that he returns back to his 1,000-yard form in a new offense with more opportunity too.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• Bears QB Caleb Williams addresses controversial decision
• Praise pours in for Bears TE Colston Loveland after move outside NFL
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The post Chicago Bears: DJ Moore named in Las Vegas Raiders trade package that does not include Maxx Crosby appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears‘ offseason might be about addition by subtraction this year, rather than the marquee signings and trades that defined GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson’s first offseason together last spring.

After all, ahead of the new league year beginning and NFL free agency getting underway, the Bears are currently upwards of $5.3 million over the cap.

If Chicago is going to get cap compliant, get younger at a key position, and free up the spending flexibility necessary to add or upgrade at key areas of need, it may depend on trading away a steady veteran contributor in the weeks to come.

DJ Moore trade could be Chicago Bears’ dream offseason move

Over at Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Moe Moten put together a list of each team’s dream move for the offseason ahead, including trading DJ Moore, for the Bears.

The post Chicago Bears’ dream offseason move would clear major cap space appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are no strangers to trade rumors. For that matter, they are no strangers to making high-profile trades in the offseason either. As soon as Chicago fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Playoffs, there were rumblings that they could target disgruntled pass rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade. In March of 2023, they acquired wide receiver DJ Moore and the pick that would result in Caleb Williams from the Carolina Panthers.

Much has changed since that 2023 trade, most notably that the Bears are finally contenders in the NFC and are coming off an 11-6 season that saw them win their division. And in order for them to take the next step to Super Bowl contention, one NFL analyst thinks they could land Crosby for Moore.

NFL trade proposal sees the Chicago Bears get Maxx Crosby for DJ Moore

In a recent article posted by ESPN, analyst Bill Barnwell suggested that Chicago could send Moore and their 2026 first round draft pick to the Raiders for Crosby and a 2027 fifth round pick.

He wrote, in part:

“The Bears have the 25th pick, and GM Ryan Poles hasn’t been shy about using draft picks to add talent. Some of those moves have worked out better (Joe Thuney) than others (Chase Claypool). Montez Sweat lands somewhere in the middle as a solid, Pro Bowl-ceiling player who is getting paid to be a superstar edge rusher. He had 10 sacks last season, but the Bears were still only 29th in sack rate while blitzing at a rate just above league average.

“Poles probably has to clear out some cash and cap to get a deal [for Crosby] done. Enter Moore, whose four-year extension starts next season. The Bears have already paid Moore a $20 million signing bonus as part of that deal, $23.5 million of Moore’s 2026 deal is already guaranteed, and $15.5 million of his 2027 compensation locks in if he is on the roster in mid-March. Any team acquiring Moore would essentially be signing to pay him $49 million over the next two years.

“Is that a good deal? It depends on which version of Moore that team is getting. His role was significantly diminished in Ben Johnson’s first year in charge, setting career lows in targets (85), receptions (50) and receiving yards (682). Moore averaged just 1.3 yards per route run. But he also racked up 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns from 2023 to 2024 in what might charitably be described as broken offenses. He turns 29 in April, so the drop from 1,364 yards in 2023 to 682 yards in 2025 has to be worrying, but Moore managed 116 yards and two touchdowns during Chicago’s playoff run.

“I’m not sure Johnson really loves Moore.”

As Bears fans are well-aware, the pass rush is an issue the team needs to address this season, hence why Crosby rumors have been so prevalent. And since the Raiders are re-building (again), they may be motivated by the addition of Moore and another first round pick.

But what is really interesting about Barnwell’s assessment of his own proposal is the evidence that Moore may not really have much of a role in Ben Johnson’s offense. Additionally, tight end Colston Loveland has emerged as one of Williams’ favorite targets in the passing game.

What makes Moore an intriguing idea for the Raiders, too, is that, should they decided to release him after the 2026 NFL season, they would save $20 million on their salary cap.

All this being said, the Crosby saga in Las Vegas is far from over. At this point, it is anyone’s guess as to how it will end.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• Bears expected to make Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard decision
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The post NFL Trade Rumors: NFL trade proposal swaps Bears’ WR DJ Moore for Las Vegas Raiders star player appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have a question about what to do with veteran wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason as the front office faces cap cuts before the start of the league’s new year in March.

More News: Bears urged to consider signing Pro Bowl LT in free agency

Per Over the Cap, the Bears are in the red by over $5 million. The Bears are set to take on a cap hit of $28.5 million in 2026 for Moore.

While Moore has proven to be a solid target for Chicago, the team has a plethora of young pass-catching options that will leave the team in good shape if they part with the veteran receiver.

During an episode of the “NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal” this week, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell said he thinks the Bears would receive a Day 2 pick in exchange for Moore this offseason.

“Mid-round pick, you know, third, fourth-round range,” Barnwell said. “I don’t think anything too crazy. The money here is it’s significant. I mean, $40 million over two years is not necessarily like wide receiver one-money anymore.

“Obviously, when you’re thinking about superstars getting 40 plus million dollars a year, but it’s more than the vast majority of teams are paying their number two wide receiver. And by the way, if he’s on the roster for the Bears this offseason, $15.5 million of his contract in 2027 becomes fully guaranteed.”

Will the Chicago Bears part with DJ Moore?

More News:Bears could move on veteran defensive lineman in free agency

Moore came to Chicago via a trade package with the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft that would become quarterback Bryce Young.

Moore has recorded 608 receptions for 8,213 yards and 41 touchdowns his career. His best career season came with the Bears in 2023 when he recorded 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

Moore, a 2018 first-round pick by the Panthers, earned 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns last season. He was a hero in the Bears’ two wins over the Green Bay Packers, including in the Divisional Round.

It’s unclear if the Bears would value a third-round pick over Moore. He’s clearly better than a Day 2 draft pick.

However, the key is what the Bears want to do with the receivers salary. $40 million in two years is a lot for a team that has Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland eating up targets, especially when Chicago has issues on the defensive line and at left tackle to address.

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The post Chicago Bears: DJ Moore’s trade value revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears could be on the cusp of making some major changes across the roster.

Currently projected to be upwards of $5 million over the cap, general manager Ryan Poles is likely getting down to work, attempting to restructure the contracts of some high-priced veterans, weighing the value prospects of outright releasing others, but at least one playmaker could be a top trade chip for the Bears in the weeks ahead.

DJ Moore is Chicago Bears’ most valuable trade chip

Over at Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Alex Ballentine put together a list of each team’s top trade asset, including wide receiver DJ Moore, for the Bears.

“D.J. Moore is a perfect example,” Ballentine writes for B/R. “Teams around the league just saw him work as a stabilizing force for the Bears’ receiver room over the last two seasons. However, the Bears’ younger targets like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden might have Ryan Poles convinced that it would be worth the $16.5 million in cap space they could create by trading him.”

As Ballentine points out, at this point, Moore might be a luxury piece for a Bears’ passing game that saw rookie tight end Colston Loveland emerge as Chicago’s leading receiver, and young pass catchers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden strengthening their rapport and timing with Williams as last season went along.

If the Bears view the $16.5 million in additional cap space they could free up by moving Moore as more valuable than his role in the offense, it would make a lot of sense for Chicago to move on.

Poles would likely find a robust trade market for the 38-year-old with 608 career catches for 8,213 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Cap-rich teams such as the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, or Washington Commanders would make a lot of sense as potential destinations for Moore in the weeks ahead this offseason.

The post Chicago Bears’ $110 million trade chip could see robust market appeared first on ChiCitySports.

DJ Moore played a key role for the Chicago Bears this past season. They finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, clinching the NFC North title for the first time since 2018.

The Bears also won their first playoff game in 15 years. They also came agonizingly close to booking their spot in the NFC Championship Game. However, it wasn’t meant to be as they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, 20-17.

That game ended Moore’s campaign on a sour note. His moment of hesitation in overtime led to quarterback Caleb Williams getting intercepted by Rams safety Kam Curl. This ultimately led to the Bears’ season-ending loss.

Williams put it down to miscommunication and a learning moment, which Moore later echoed.

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore’s parting message for 2025 season

Moore capped his 2025 NFL season with an Instagram post that showed his gratitude for his eight years in the NFL. His post simply stated “Year 8⃣: Forever Grateful .”

Moore was simply sending a parting message to the 2025 season. Some fans, however, showed apprehension about his post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Moore (@idjmoore)

One said, “Dude… this better not mean anything like it’s been fun and all that. Year nine has to be coming for the Bears. Without DJ, this season doesn’t happen. He was by far the most reliable WR, absolutely durable, played through injuries, took big hits while making impossible catches, no fear.”

“Totally agree. His value is massive. I would hate to lose him,” another posted.

“bro my heart jumped and that’s the first thing I thought about,” agreed a fan.

“you are absolutely right. These goofys who just trying to get clicks on their YouTube channel and fantasy football need to stop. I’m riding with @idjmoore till he says he’s ready to leave the crib. ” declared a supporter.

“there was a video saying he was coming back,” said another.

“When I started reading it, I was like, ‘No, no, no, no….’ ” revealed a user.

Moore is under contract with the Bears through 2029. This only means the only way he’s leaving Chicago is if the Bears trade or release him.

For his part, Moore has indicated that he wants to stay in Chicago and be part of the organization’s future. 

The post DJ Moore sends parting message after third season with Chicago Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

General manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears are going to have some really difficult decisions to make in the weeks ahead.

With free agency looming, the Bears are projrected to be upwards of $5 million over the cap, which could lead to some high-priced veterans being released or traded in order to free up spending flexibility to keep building out the rest of the roster.

Chicago Bears’ WR DJ Moore addresses onslaught of trade rumors

One player whose name has been the subject of rampant trade rumors in the past several weeks, is Bears wide receiver DJ Moore.

Poles and the Bears could create approximately $16.5 million in cap space, while absorbing a $12 million dead-money charge, if Chicago traded Moore with a post-June 1 designation.

Ahead of the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, Moore opened up about the speculation, and his desire to remain in a Bears uniform for the long haul.

“I would love to,” Moore told CHGO, when asked if he’d like to return to Chicago in 2026. “Like I told him in our exit meeting, I love being here. I really have no expectations for this year. Everything went out to went out the window when we got Ben and I was just all in on the team.”

The Bears are in the process of building out a young and ascending receiving corps, around former first-round picks Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland, and second-round pick Luther Burden, which could make Moore expendable and more valuable as a means of creating cap space than a member of Caleb Williams’ supporting cast.

Moore caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns last season.

The post DJ Moore tackles Chicago Bears trade rumors head on appeared first on ChiCitySports.

2025 was a historic and very special season for the Chicago Bears. The team won their first NFC North title since 2018 and won their first playoff game since 2011.

More news: Chicago Bears rookie Colston Loveland development before Super Bowl LX turns heads

The Bears had plenty of incredible moments throughout the 2025 regular season, but none came closer to the incredible comeback victory against rival Green Bay Packers in Week 16.

During Thursday’s NFL Honors ceremony, the NFL named Caleb Williams’ overtime walkoff touchdown to DJ Moore the “Next Gen Stats moment of the year”.

Legendary. pic.twitter.com/FHmQTgb9x9

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 6, 2026

The Bears’ star wide receiver then accepted the award, and sent out a massive warning to the rest of the NFL in regards to the 2026 season.

The Chicago Bears star just sent a warning to the rest of the league

More news: DJ Moore breaks silence Chicago Bears’ season-ending interception

After accepting the NFL’s award, the Bears’ star warned the rest of the league, saying that they look forward to “causing havoc to the rest of the league next year.”

.@idjmoore's walk-off game-winner is your Moment of the Year

: NBC pic.twitter.com/qQvRyRGEhs

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 6, 2026

Moore seemed to also confirm that he wants to stay in Chicago, despite heavy rumors of him being a possible trade target this offseason. Moore seems to believe that he will not be going anywhere, and rightfully so.

After just one season into the Ben Johnson era, the Bears shocked the world and exceeded so much expectations. Moving forward, it will only get better. Chicago will be looking to become a viable Super Bowl contender in 2026 and beyond.

The post Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore just sent a message to the rest of the NFL appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears‘ final offensive snap of the season is one that won’t soon be forgotten in franchise lore.

With the Bears driving, in overtime, against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game, quarterback Caleb Williams had the offense on the cusp of field goal range on a frigid Soldier Field Sunday night with a trip to the NFC Championship Game within reach.

Then, Williams was intercepted by Rams defensive back Kamren Curl that effectively ended Chicago’s season as Matthew Stafford drove Los Angeles down the field to set up a game-winning field goal.

Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore needs just one word to describe the interception

Leading up to the Super Bowl, Moore needed just one word to describe what happened on Curl’s interception.

“Miscommunication,” Moore told CHGO.

The day after the game, last month, Williams echoed those sentiments.

“We’ve got to attack it,” Moore said. “The next time we have something like that, and just go from there.”

It remains to be seen whether Moore and Williams will have the chance to bounce back from that season-ending turnover, given that Moore’s name has become the subject of persistent trade rumors as the offseason gets underway, and Chicago potentially looking to clear up cap space by trading the veteran receiver.

But, if Moore is on the Bears’ roster come September 2026, getting on the same page with Williams is going to be imperative in order to put the interception that ended the 2025 campaign behind Chicago once and for all.

The post DJ Moore breaks silence Chicago Bears’ season-ending interception appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles may need to take some bold actions to create cap space this offseason, to continue building around upstart quarterback Caleb Williams, and fortify a defense that lived and died by its ability to create takeaways throughout the 2025 campaign.

It is no secret that the Bears will likely prioritize improving coordinator Dennis Allen’s pass rush, beefing up the interior of the defensive line, and have some major dilemmas to solve at safety, with veterans Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all slated to be unrestricted free agents.

However, Poles and the Bears are currently projected to begin the offseason approximately $5.3 million over the cap.

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore the subject of persistent trade rumors

Poles and the Bears’ front office can create some spending flexibility by restructuring contracts, and moving some money around, but cap casualty type of cuts and trades may be the most expeditious way to open up cap space.

Over at ESPN, top analyst Bill Barnwell suggests that DJ Moore could be one of the most likely wide receivers to be traded this offseason.

“GM Ryan Poles signed Moore to a four-year, $110 million extension in the summer of 2024,” Barnwell points out for ESPN. “A deal that starts next season. Moore’s $23.5 million base salary in 2026 is already guaranteed, and if he’s on the roster in mid-March, $15.5 million of Moore’s $23.5 million salary in 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. The Bears (or any team acquiring Moore) would essentially be on the hook for a one-year, $40 million deal or a two-year, $49 million pact before revisiting his contract after 2027.

“Moore is still a starting-caliber wideout, and there should be interest if the Bears do listen to offers. A middle-round pick would be a realistic return, but the real benefit might be freeing up $24.5 million in 2026 cash, which would allow Johnson and Poles to realign the offense in the coach’s preferred vision.”

It seemed apparent by season’s end that Moore and Williams were not quite on the same page, despite the top wideout catching 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns this past season.

So, if the Bears are looking to reallocate some of the $23.5 million Moore is due this offseason towards fortifying the defense while expanding the roles of young receivers Rome Odune, Luther Burden, and second-year tight end Colston Loveland, Moore could be a fascinating trade chip for Chicago to deploy in the weeks ahead.

The post Chicago Bears could be about to trade $24.5 million star to clear cap space appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears took major strides in 2025 compared to where they were in 2024. After finishing 5-12 and in last place in the NFC North just a year ago, they went 11-6 this season and won the division. New head coach Ben Johnson, indeed, had a great deal to do with the turnaround, and the culture he has brought to Chicago is infectious throughout the locker room.

But what is most promising for the Bears is that their young talent blossomed in 2025 and was also a massive reason for the team’s success.

That does mean, though, that some long-time (and expensive) veterans may be expendable going forward.

PFF names Chicago Bears veterans DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift as on the hot seat

Two of the veterans that saw younger players take a bigger role in the offense were wide receiver DJ Moore and running back D’Andre Swift.

PFF seems to believe that, if either or both of these players don’t outproduce younger players in 2026, they could be gone.

On Moore:

“Much like Pittman, Moore, 28, produced the lowest YPRR average (1.24) and PFF offense grade (68.7 PFF offense grade) among his eight NFL seasons and is surrounded by ascending, young talent. Moore is under contract through 2028 and is unlikely to be cut until 2027, should Chicago choose to do so. He finished as the WR30.

“Chicago’s remaining 11 personnel starting pass catchers are all 23 or younger. As detailed above, age is critical in high-end season-long receiving outcomes.

“Moore will likely operate as Chicago’s No. 4 pass catcher at best next season.”

The fact of the matter is that $20+ million is way too much to pay a number-four pass catching option. If Moore cannot improve in 2026, he will likely not be back in 2027.

On Swift:

“Swift, 27, admittedly assuaged these very same concerns from last offseason. Chicago’s seventh-round rookie, running back Kyle Monangai, 23, is already performing at a near-equivalent level despite Swift’s five-year edge in experience. Swift earned an 83.4 PFF offense grade and finished as the RB15 this season. Monangai earned a 67.3 PFF offense grade and finished as the RB29.

“During Chicago’s postseason play, Swift outsnapped Monangai in the green zone eight-to-seven, while totaling five rushing attempts to Monangai’s three rushing attempts and one target.

“Swift can maintain the primary passing down role with superior pass-protection play, but Monangai has a chance to take over as the team’s primary rusher and primary player in scoring position next season.”

PFF seems to think that Swift is safer than Moore. However, the fact remains that Swift is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and, if Monangai continues to produce in a limited role, the Bears will let Swift walk in free agency.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• NFL Draft: Bears mock sees team select possible Jaquan Brisker replacement from Oregon
• NFL news: Colston Loveland shares historic Bears news
• 3 top candidates to replace Declan Doyle as Bears OC

For More Chicago Sports

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The post Chicago Bears see two veterans declared as “on the hot seat” in 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears improved in just about every facet in the 2025 NFL season. This was particularly true on offense as first-year head coach Ben Johnson introduced new schemes that benefited stack Caleb Williams. Indeed, Williams had one of the best single seasons in franchise history by a quarterback, with 58.1% completion percentage, a franchise record 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 90.1.

It also saw Chicago utilize their tight ends more frequently, and rookie Colston Loveland led the team in both receptions (58) and receiving yards (713).

More Chicago Bears news:  Bears get brutal draft news after Ian Cunningham exit

This development, as well as the Bears’ salary cap situation, has made wide receiver DJ Moore a common name mentioned in potential trades.

The Chicago Bears predicted to trade DJ Williams to the Tennessee Titans

One potential trade that has been suggested was written by Christopher Kline of Fansided, who suggests that the Bears trade Moore to the Tennessee Titans:

“D.J. Moore put some incredible plays on tape this season, but he also gave up on a critical route in the NFC Divisional Round, leading to an interception. Moore’s reputation is a mixed bag. He’s also entering the penultimate year of his contract, with Rome Odunze separating as the Chicago Bears’ WR1 and Caleb Williams’ favorite target. Now might be the time for the Bears to cash in.

“The Tennessee Titans desperately need to find some help for Cam Ward. Say what you will about Moore, the dude is a monster and only two years removed from a career-high 1,364 receiving yards. Still 28, with gas left in the tank, this feels like a reasonable upside swing for a Titans team with cap space to burn. Ward has all the talent necessary for a star leap in year two, and new OC Brian Daboll is a tried-and-true playcaller. Moore can help the Titans turn this ship around.”

Of course, Moore was originally acquired by Chicago in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in a deal that included Chicago’s first round pick, which at the time was the first overall pick.

It is hard to imagine that the Bears would get anything close to that in return again, but they could get some decent draft compensation should they decided to trade Moore.

The post NFL: Chicago Bears predicted to trade DJ Moore to an AFC bottom-feeder appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following the Chicago Bears 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, wide receiver DJ Moore was nowhere to be found.

More News: Bears veteran warns team could see mass exodus in free agency

The Bears receiver had a critical moment in the loss. In overtime, Moore appeared to run a route, not at full speed, before a costly interception that would allow the Rams to score a field goal and win the game on their next drive.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said there was a miscommunication between him and Moore. He wanted the receiver to flatten his route, but Moore went over the top.

Last week, Chicago head coach Ben Johnson blamed himself for the interception. Danny Parkins told 670 The Score that the route was a part of a new scheme concept, and Moore was confused by the play.

Regardless, Moore did not make himself available to the media after the loss. He was not at Halas Hall on Monday as the team cleared out the locker room.

Per NFL rules, all players must be available to talk to reporters after the game. If they do not, the league can punish the player by giving them a fine.

Per the league, the NFL chose not to fine Moore, via their gameday accountability report for the Divisional Round.

Was Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore hurt?

More News: Bears HC gives clue on potential DJ Moore trade

Former Bears center Olin Kreutz had another explanation for what happened with Moore and the team. He suggested the receiver suffered a more significant injury than thought during the game.

Moore spent five minutes in the medical tent being checked out for a concussion after hitting his head on the ground in the first half. On the next drive, Moore returned to action.

Kreutz thinks Moore didn’t want to talk to reporters to keep the media from questioning the Bears.

“That’s why you haven’t heard from him,” Kreutz said. “He can’t say that. The team can’t have him say that. It puts them in jeopardy, right? The doctors and everyone who works for the Chicago Bears.

“Now, everyone’s questioning the whole building. Why would you put him back on the field? I tell you right now guys, you ain’t keeping me out of that game, right?”

And Moore has no reason to complain about his reasoning for not talking to the media after the league decided not to issue a fine.

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The post Chicago Bears: NFL reveals punishment decision on DJ Moore appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore declined to talk to the media following the team’s 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.

More News: Bears HC gives clue on potential DJ Moore trade

The veteran wide receiver was not present when the media was in the locker room on Monday following the Divisional Round loss.

Moore received heavy criticism for his route on the interception Caleb Williams threw in overtime that allowed the Rams to march down the field and score a game-winning field goal.

Earlier this week, Bears head coach Ben Johnson blamed himself for the error that happened on the final offensive play. Danny Parkins said a Bears source told him that the route was a part of a new concept, and Oduzne was confused on what to do on the play.

Former Chicago center Olin Kreutz thinks there’s another explanation as to what happened with Moore. He thinks the veteran receiver was still suffering through an injury caused earlier in the game.

Per the NBC broadcast of the game, Moore was in the blue medical tent for five minutes being checked for a concussion after hitting his head on the sideline. He returned for the next drive.

“I watched the film over and over again, sent a few films to guys with DJ Moore getting hit on that sideline, his head whipping back, hitting the sideline, and the next time they’re tapping him, dumping him right on his head,” Kreutz said on 670 The Score.

“So I know that he was injured… The thing is, that concrete over there, that’s not where the field is warm. So obviously, DJ is fighting through a lot of stuff. I think (general manager) Ryan Poles told you that pretty much right at some things you can’t say some reasons why.”

Was Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore being a good teammate?

More News: Bears veteran warns team could see mass exodus in free agency

Kreutz suggested Moore would put the Bears in a bad situation if he told the media he was playing hurt. He’s being a good teammate by not talking to reporters.

“That’s why you haven’t heard from him,” Kreutz said. “He can’t say that. The team can’t have him say that. It puts them in jeopardy, right? The doctors and everyone who works for the Chicago Bears.

“Now, everyone’s questioning the whole building. Why would you put him back on the field? I tell you right now guys, you ain’t keeping me out of that game, right?”

.@olin_kreutz explains the reason DJ Moore didn't speak to the media in the aftermath of the Bears' season-ending loss is because, "He can't come out and say, 'I was hurt but I was playing.'"

"That puts the team in a bad spot, so he's still being a team player," Kreutz says. pic.twitter.com/AaWQHRogPi

— 670 The Score (@thescorechicago) January 23, 2026

At some point, Moore will be asked about what happened with Chicago. Whether he’s a part of the Bears at that point is unknown.

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The post Chicago Bears accused of hiding DJ Moore’s injury after concussion evaluation appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears‘ offense could look dramatically different in 2026 than it finished the season in 2025.

As general manager Ryan Poles, and the Bears look to build out a more balanced and complete roster to maximize ascending quarterback Caleb Williams, not to mention free up cap space to fortify a defense in need of an upgrade along the front seven, some big changes could be on the way.

Chicago Bears predicted to trade WR DJ Moore

After an ill-fated Williams pass intended for DJ Moore was intercepted by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl to close out a season-ending loss in the NFC Divisional playoffs, there’s a legitimate possibility that the star wide receiver has played his final game in a Bears uniform.

After the game, Williams admitted that he and Moore were not on the same page on the play, but after three seasons in Chicago Moore might be the Bears’ most valuable trade chip this offseason.

Over at ESPN, NFL analyst Ben Solak predicts the Bears will end up trading Moore at some point during the offseason ahead.

“The Bears will trade wide receiver DJ Moore,” Solak predicts. “As the future of the position seems set with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Most of Moore’s money is tied up in salary, not bonuses, which makes it palatable for Chicago to trade him even with four years left on his contract. At 29, he should still be enticing to teams in need of veteran WR play.”

Given that the Bears enter this offseason approximately $4 million over the projected salary cap, with some ascending young depth at receiver, and some pressing needs to fill, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see Chicago fully embrace a youth movement around Williams, and trade Moore for cap relief and draft capital.

Wide receiver-needy teams with plenty of cap space, such as the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, or Los Angeles Chargers could be teams to watch, if the Bears ultimately wind up shopping more in the weeks and months ahead.

The post Chicago Bears’ playmaker linked to offseason trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

During his end-of-season news conference on Wednesday, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson took the blame for the miscommunication on the final offensive play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.

More News: Bears HC gives clue on potential DJ Moore trade

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was intercepted on a pass targeted for wide receiver DJ Moore. Williams told reporters after the game he expected Moore to “flatten” his route, but the receiver went over top.

The interception allowed the Rams to march down the field and score a game-winning field goal in overtime, ending a spectacular season for Johnson in his first season as the Bears head coach.

Per Danny Parkins, a Bears team source told him that Moore was confused about his route on the play. The route concept was part of a new scheme from Johnson.

Moore didn’t give up on the route. He just didn’t know what he was supposed to do.

“One person with the team told me that it was not an effort issue on the last play, that it was also not quite a miscommunication, but like confusion,” Parkins said on 670 The Score. “It was a newer route concept that they had put in, and they were a little surprised by the coverage.

“And he (Moore) kind of slowed down out of confusion of exactly where he was supposed to take that route, which is, I think, speaks a little bit to why Ben Johnson put it on him today. Put it on himself today.”

Regarding Caleb Williams' fateful interception in overtime of the Bears' loss to the Rams, a team source told @DannyParkins it wasn't a miscommunication or an effort problem as much as it was "confusion" for DJ Moore on what was a fairly new route concept for the offense. pic.twitter.com/8rdQooarcY

— 670 The Score (@thescorechicago) January 21, 2026

DJ Moore might have played his final snap for the Chicago Bears

More News: Bears veteran warns team could see mass exodus in free agency

Parkins thought Moore should have told his side of the story instead of declining to talk to reporters.

“Obviously not a great moment for DJ Moore,” Parkins said. “I also don’t love that he skipped out on the media both right after the game and the next day. Like it would be nice for DJ Moore to give his version of events on the play that ended the season, given what he gets paid and given his veteran status on the team.”

Parkins doesn’t think Moore will return to the Bears next season.

With a strong receiving core of Coleson Loveland, Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze on the roster, Moore’s salary could be better spent building out the defense for a Super Bowl run in 2026.

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The post Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson confused DJ Moore on interception: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On Sunday night, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore chose not to speak with the media following his role in the interception in overtime that led to a 20-17 win for the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round.

More News: Bears veteran warns team could see mass exodus in free agency

Moore received heavy criticism for his effort on the route, appearing to jog before second-year quarterback Caleb Williams launched a pass headed his way that was ultimately intercepted by Rams safety Kam Curl.

Williams wanted Moore to “flatten” his route on the play and attack the wide-open space underneath the secondary coverage. Moore went over the top half-heartedly.

With the Bears having numerous weapons on offense, it was fair to wonder if Sunday night’s game would be the last for Moore in Chicago. The Bears could trade him, allowing for the team to better build out the defense for a Super Bowl run in 2026.

During his end-of-season news conference on Wednesday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson was asked about Moore’s mindset after the loss to the Rams.

Chicago Bears offer clue on DJ Moore’s Future

More News: Photos prove Chicago Bears were screwed by NFL refs during Rams game

Johnson offered a clue on his future with Chicago, saying he had a “good exit interview” this week.

“You would have to talk to him about his mindset,” Johnson said. “We had a really good exit interview, and he’s a player that that I felt really helped us get to the point to where we were this year. We had a we had an opportunity there, you know, a couple games away from Super Bowl.

“So I thought he was a huge contributor to getting us there.”

Johnson’s comments seem to suggest the Bears want to keep Moore in 2026, knowing he was key to the team winning the NFC North and advancing to the to the Divisional Round.

Moore caught five passes for 52 yards and hauled in an incredible three-yard touchdown pass in the first half on a fourth-down play. He caught the game-winning touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

He also caught the game-winning touchdown pass against the Packers on Dec. 20.

However, if the Bears plan to trade Moore, Johnson would have given general manager Ryan Poles no help in the market if he threw the wide receiver under the bus.

Moore was Chicago’s second-leading receiver in the regular season with 682 yards and six touchdowns on 50 receptions.

There’s no question he’s a good player. But with strong and young targets like Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III returning, it’s fair to wonder if the Bears would be better trading him to help in more needed areas of the team.

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The post Chicago Bears HC gives clue on potential DJ Moore trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are going to have some difficult decisions to make this offseason.

After a gangbusters spending spree that saw general manager Ryan Poles triple down on improving the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams, and add veteran depth to bolster the defense, the Bears are projected to enter this offseason with approximately $3.69 million in cap space, just 21st most in the NFL.

That could lead to some players being asked to restructure their deals, or even star-caliber players being traded, in order to create spending flexibility to continue building around Williams and adding to a defense that largely survived on creating takeaways rather than stifling opponents in 2025.

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore named top trade candidate to watch

Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker put together a list of the top trade candidates to watch across the league, including Moore as a likely target for receiver-needy teams.

“Moore was elite after being traded from Carolina to Chicago,” Locker writes for PFF. “Garnering an 89.0 overall PFF grade in 2023. But in the two years since, that number has dwindled to 73.5, including a 72.8 PFF receiving grade. The 2025 season was a bit of a trying one for Moore, who recorded a career low in yards per route run (1.24) with his highest drop rate (4.7%) since 2021. On top of that, questions surrounding his route-running effort — including against the Rams in the playoffs — continued to populate.

“Understandably, the Bears may not want to fracture a receiving group that ranked 12^th in PFF receiving grade this year. But with Moore due an inflated $28.5 million against the cap while grading out as Chicago’s fourth-best receiver, that value doesn’t seem to equate. Perhaps the Bears will give the 28-year-old a fresh start elsewhere as they roll with a younger and cheaper room.”

Moving off Moore makes some sense for Poles, Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, and the Bears.

Moore would command significant trade value, and could fetch as high as a second-round pick in return, and, after adding Luther Burden and Rome Odunze over the past two draft classes, Chicago may be content leaning into the younger and more affordable pass-catchers to develop alongside Williams.

After Williams and Moore visibly were not on the same page on the interception that ended Chicago’s season, it is fair to question if these two will be able to fix their communications issues or if they’ll even have to, with the possibility that Moore is elsewhere in 2026.

The post Chicago Bears’ playmaker listed as top offseason trade candidate across the NFL appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Wide receiver DJ Moore was among the Chicago Bears‘ most prolific weapons and one of Caleb Williams’ favorite targets throughout the 2025 season.

However, the Bears’ Super Bowl hopes and improbable, charmed postseason run came to a crashing end Sunday night when Williams was intercepted by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Kamren Curl, in overtime, on a ball that appeared badly underthrown, intended for Moore, but that the wide receiver seemed to cut off his route early on.

Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams reveals what went wrong on season-ending INT

Monday, as the Bears were cleaning out their lockers from a season that ended three victories shy of what Chicago had hoped, Williams offered a clear revelation of what went wrong on the ill-fated throw.

“We haven’t,” Williams told reporters, when asked if he had the chance to speak with Moore about what happened on the throw. “All the stuff this morning, everybody’s been in different places with the exit meetings. But definitely something we’ll discuss, but we’ll discuss with the other wide receivers coming up in the future of next year, just getting on the same page in those moments.

“Small things like that that show up in those moments that you may not have talked about, being on the same page, maybe you talked about it in Week 1 or Week 6 and it shows up in Week 18 or whatever week we’re in. You know, it’s something to learn from for myself, a learning experience, it’s something for us to learn from as an offense and as a team. We’ll go do that at some time.”

Ultimately, the Rams drove into position to make a 42-yard game-winning field goal, off Williams’ interception, and the play will be one that stings in the Chicago region in the months ahead.

“It was just a miscommunication,” Williams admitted. “Trying to just flatten him off on the safety. Since the other safety was down, I felt like we had enough space over there so I tried to flatten him off. It was just a miscommunication. His route is to go deep and attack that angle, which he did. We thought we were going to go under the safety at that point. It didn’t happen that way.”

According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Moore wasn’t present on locker cleanout day on Monday, or at least in the locker room for the portion that was open to reporters.

Clearly, Williams and Moore were not on the same page, in the biggest play of the Bears’ season, and figuring out how to get the quarterback and receiver in lockstep may need to be a top priority for Johnson and the coaching staff this offseason, because it sounds like the interception wasn’t the result of a poor play call but rather the result of festering miscommunications that pialed up as the season wore on.

The post Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams makes major admission about DJ Moore, season-ending interception appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore was the hero in two wins over the Green Bay Packers this season.

More News: Photos prove Chicago Bears were screwed by NFL refs during Rams game

He caught the 46-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to give the Bears a 22-16 win over Green Bay in overtime on Dec. 21. Three weeks later, Moore caught the 25-yard winning touchdown pass to give the Bears a 31-27 win over Green Bay in the wild-card round.

The veteran receiver had a solid night against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. He caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown on Sunday night and added eight yards on the ground.

However, Moore’s night will be remembered by a miscommunication error in overtime when the receiver went over the top. Williams wanted Moore to flatten his route, seeing the safety was confused. Instead, the play resulted in an interception, and Los Angeles would score a game-winning field goal on its next drive.

Worse than running a bad route, Moore was seen jogging on his route before giving up on the play.

This angle makes DJ Moore look even worse.

He didn’t even give up on his route at a certain point, it was zero effort the entire route.

Really trying to rap my head around this one https://t.co/D70uolTNfc pic.twitter.com/cwmkjY5HzL

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 19, 2026

Per Aldo Gandia of Barroom Net, Moore was not in the locker room when media was allowed to interview players.

DJ Moore’s last game with the Chicago Bears?

More News: Bears’ Ben Johnson sounds off on ‘disappointing’ loss to Rams

Moore could face punishment from the NFL via a fine for not being available to talk to the media after the game. Per league rules, all players must be available to speak to reporters after the contest unless that player is in the concussion protocol.

Moore had reason to be frustrated with how the game ended. A lot of Bears fans were upset with the way he ran his final route of the season.

That could be his final route as a member of the Bears.

Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has a decision to make on Moore’s future with the team this offseason. With young pass catchers like Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland primed to ask for more targets in 2026, the Bears could trade Moore to help build the defense in 2026.

The Bears have too many mouths to feed on the offensive side of the ball. Moore was the second-leading receiver in the regular season behind Loveland, but Odunze was on pace to be the No. 1 receiver before suffering a stress fracture in his foot.

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The post Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore faces potential NFL punishment for postgame decision appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are looking like a force to be reckoned with heading into the playoffs, but there have continued to be discussions surrounding veteran wide receiver DJ Moore. Despite being a factor in the passing offense, there are people who believe Chicago could use that money on the cap more effectively. Let’s take a look at what one NFL reporter mentioned in regards to this and what it would even look like for the Bears to make this move.

Albert Breer discusses the potential of DJ Moore being traded this offseason

While doing a mailbag for Sports Illustrated, Senior NFL Reporter Albert Breer was asked about the possibility of Chicago trading away Moore this offseason. Below is how Breer answered:

“Moore is due $24.5 million in cash for next year. He turns 29 in April. In today’s market, that’s not bad for a complementary receiver who, to be fair, has had a down year statistically with 49 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns. To me, the comfort level of a young quarterback is paramount, and Moore’s certainly a factor in that. I think to move off Moore, you’d have to have a better option in front of you.”

Moore is under contract through the 2030 season, with a potential out in 2028, so he is a valuable player under contract. He was part of the trade that saw the Bears land the 2024 first-overall pick with the Carolina Panthers. While having aveteran wide receiver is critical for the growth of Williams, there is a way to get that in free agency or another trade. Moore has not cracked 100+ yards in a game since 2024, so there could be a chance Moore wants to make a change as well.

With the emergence of players like Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland developing as premier pass-catchers in their rookie season, Chicago could use the salary cap space as a major indication for what they can do to improve the roster this offseason. Currently, they are barely over the cap, but general manager Ryan Poles could easily create cap space. Moore is currently a $28.5 million cap hit for next season, so this would be a massive cap relief as well. It will be intriguing to see if the Bears want to make this impactful move this offseason or see if Moore can improve statistically heading into the 2026 season.

The post NFL reporter discusses possibility of Bears’ DJ Moore trade this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears added wide receivers DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus to the Week 17 injury report on Sunday morning.

More News: Bears HC gives curious update on Rome Odunze

Moore and Zaccheaus were the latest victims of an illness that’s spreading around the Bears locker room.

On the first injury report for Week 17, the Bears designated wide receiver Devin Duverney, linebacker D’Marco Jackson, and defensive back Nick McCloud for having an illness. On Friday’s final report, cornerbacks Nahshon Wright and Josh Blackwell were added for having an illness designation.

On Saturday, the Bears added offensive lineman Darnell Wright to the injury report for an illness. They elevated defensive back Dallis Flowers and receiver JP Richardson from the practice squad for Sunday night.

Wright did not fly with the Bears on Saturday but did join the team on Sunday afternoon.

Per the Bears, Moore will be active against the 49ers. Quarterback Case Keenum, receiver Rome Odunze, Flowers, Zaccheaus, McCloud, and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite are inactive for “Sunday Night Football.”

Inactives for #CHIvsSF: pic.twitter.com/msdI4sb3kg

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 28, 2025

Why the Chicago Bears need to win on Sunday night

More News: Lions could be plotting big-time revenge on Ben Johnson

Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams will have Moore and Luther Burden III to target in San Francisco.

With the Green Bay Packers’ 41-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Chicago won the NFC North for the first time since 2018. The Bears have a slim chance to earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However, the Seattle Seahawks made it a little more difficult with a win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Bears must beat the 49ers on Sunday night and defeat the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Week 18. Chicago also needs the 49ers to beat the Seahawks in Week 18.

However, it’s likely San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan would rest his starters against Seattle in Week 18 to stay healthy for the playoffs if the Bears win on Sunday night, eliminating the 49ers from having a chance to win the NFC West and earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bears reveal decision on DJ Moore for 49ers game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens gave the Chicago Bears a late Christmas present.

More News: Lions could be plotting big-time revenge on Ben Johnson

With the Ravens’ 41-24 win over the Green Bay Packers, the Bears officially clinched the NFC North championship before getting set to play the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football.”

Chicago still has plenty to play for in the next two weeks. The Bears need to win out and get some help with a Seattle Seahawks loss to earn the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a bye for the playoffs.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the team is dealing with a crisis of illness, and it has hit the receiver room in a bad way.

Per Chicago, DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus were placed on the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. That comes days after Rome Odunze was ruled out for having a foot injury.

Via the Bears:

“WR DJ Moore (Illness) and WR Olamide Zaccheaus (Illness) have been added to the Injury Report and are QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.”

#Bears WR DJ Moore (Illness) and WR Olamide Zaccheaus (Illness) have been added to the Injury Report and are QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) December 28, 2025

The Bears have an emergency brewing in the receiver room.

The Chicago Bears are ill this week

More News: Bears HC gives curious update on Rome Odunze

The post Chicago Bears have emergency situation at WR hours before 49ers game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore earned the last laugh on Saturday night.

More News: Lions could be plotting big-time revenge on Ben Johnson

Moore hauled in a 46-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to give the Bears a 22-16 win in overtime over the Green Bay Packers. To complete the comeback victory, Moore beat Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon to make an incredible grab.

Frankly, the officials should have thrown a flag on the play for pass interference by Nixon. However, no penalty was called, but it didn’t matter since Moore ended the game with a catch.

That wasn’t the only play the officials chose not to issue a citation for Mr. Nixon.

In the first half, Nixon tagged Moore with a blindside hit, causing the receiver to briefly exit the game.

WOW, disgusting thug Keisean Nixon just blindly hit DJ Moore with no flag thrown.pic.twitter.com/gPBO3UoYbB

— Rebecca Faria (@detoxbyrebec344) December 21, 2025

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore took a cheap shot

More News: Bears HC gives curious update on Rome Odunze

The hit by Nixon could have fit under the category of unnecessary roughness. Last week, the league fined Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga $11,593 for unnecessary roughness on Packers quarterback Jordan Love for Week 15.

However, the league did not issue a fine to Nixon on Saturday for Week 16.

The NFL gave Moore the middle finger, choosing not to care about the safety of the Bears receiver. That’s the type of hit that causes injuries and could cause a fight to break out in the future.

If Chicago hosts Green Bay in the playoffs, look for a similar scenario to break out. Per the league, there was nothing wrong with the hit.

The league didn’t extend the same grace to Bears defensive end Austin Booker, who was fined twice for his hits on Love. One of the fines came after the quarterback lowered the crown of his helmet to absorb the contact from the defensive end.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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It wasn’t pretty, but the Chicago Bears earned a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in overtime.

More News: Bears set to bring back key player for Packers game

Following the exit of quarterback Jordan Love due to a concussion in the first half, backup quarterback Malik Willis held his own to keep the time of possession in the Packers’ favor while engineering long drives to take a 16-6 lead in the fourth quarter.

However, some late offensive heroics from Caleb Williams and a successful onside kick allowed the Bears to tie up the game at 16-16. The Packers were stopped on downs during the opening possession of overtime.

Williams, who threw an interception against the Packers in Week 14 that sealed a loss, redeemed himself with a 46-yard touchdown to a fatigued DJ Moore to earn a 22-16 win in front of 60,152 fans at Soldier Field.

Incredible reception by DJ Moore, because you know the refs weren't calling PI for the Bears here.
pic.twitter.com/VJeiOk5ehP

— Jordan Sigler (@JordanSig) December 21, 2025

During his postgame interview on the FOX broadcast, Williams credited the Packers for being resilient, and suggested they’d meet again in the playoffs.

“I want to start off that’s a hell of a team over there,” Williams said. “We’ll probably see them again.”

The Chicago Bears dialed the game-winner up in meetings

More News: Bears just won trade with the Chiefs

Williams said the touchdown pass to Moore was designed this week in team meetings. 

“That’s a play that coach (Ben Johnson) and I were sitting in his office one of those meetings, and we discussed that play,” Williams said. “It’s funny how it worked out. But you know, hell of a job by everybody to be able to make this play happen, coaches, players, everybody in the building.”

Williams said the team was ready for the challenge in the fourth quarter.

“We know who we are,” Williams said. “I’ve said it multiple times, we’re a team that’s going to fight to the end, and there was too much time on the clock.”

Moore was happy to earn a win over Green Bay.

“It means a lot ,at the end of the day, it’s (expletive) the Packers always,” Moore said.

Williams finished 19-of-34 passing for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Moore led the Bears in receiving with 97 yards and a touchdown on five receptions.

The Bears kept their lead in the NFC North. They’ll next travel to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 with the opportunity to clinch the division.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams has message for Packers after comeback win appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears continue to find ways to be successful on the field and win games. Even with the injuries the team is dealing with, they are putting themselves in a great position for a deep playoff run. Chicago was able to end Week 15 as the NFC North leader and second in the NFC, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams. There have been many people to credit for the team’s success, but after their win over the Cleveland Browns, but coach Ben Johnson gave some credit to a veteran wide receiver. Let’s take a deeper dive into his comments to see what he said.

DJ Moore is helping create more offense for the Chicago Bears

Wide receiver D.J. Moore may be having a bit of a down season statistically, but he is playing a significant role for the Bears. In a game where second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze was a last-minute scratch, Moore stepped up. The team was able to win against the Cleveland Browns 31-3, and Moore played a large role in the offense’s productivity. He finished the game with four catches for 69 yards, and after the game, coach Johnson spoke about the veteran’s play this season.

“He’s been playing this way every week. It’s just we haven’t been able to get the ball in his hands. We were able to target him a few more times, and he came through with some big plays for us. Sometimes these things come in bunches. You kind of have a dry spell, and then all of a sudden, he could come on hot here over the next three games and just really take off. That’s the way it tends to happen, which would be a good thing for us.”

Moore has been having a down season statistically compared to what he has done in his career. He has posted 43 receptions for 567 yards (13.2 yards per catch) with five touchdown catches. However, he has been able to help players like Odunze and rookie Luther Burden III get better looks as a result throughout the season.

Moore recorded a touchdown catch in the first quarter and also was able to record his 600th career reception on Sunday. As a veteran presence for the Bears, More has the ability to be a real X-factor in this offense.

The post Chicago Bears HC gives major credit to veteran wide receiver for success appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are currently the best team in the NFC right now, with their biggest game of the 2025 season coming up on Sunday in Green Bay against the Packers. Chicago has been success throughout the 2025 season due to a defense that leads the NFL in forcing turnovers, and a top five rushing offense. First-year head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired to install an explosive offensive scheme, had helped lead his team to success through his ability to adapt in-game and determine what the best course of action to help secure wins.

Ben Johnson’s team has won due to his ability to adjust on the fly

When the Bears’ front office hired Ben Johnson at the beginning of the year, the highly sought after offensive coordinator that had acclaimed success in Detroit as a play-caller was brought in to help develop second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and create a successful offense. Through 12 games of the 2025 season, Johnson’s offense is productive when it has come to generating yards, yet has struggled at times to score touchdowns, despite having multiple redzone situations. Additionally, Chicago’s passing offense has been inconsistent, as Williams has struggled with accuracy while pass-catchers have had issues with drops.

Despite the inconsistencies on offense, Johnson has done a tremendous job navigating around those issues, especially during the Bears’ current five-game winning-streak. There have several instances through the winning-streak where Ben Johnson has changed his offensive gameplan and strategy mid-contest to adapt to the flow of what was transpiring to help secure a win. In the victories over Giants, Vikings, and Eagles, the Bears offense and their play-scheming during the course of the contests.

In the game against the New York Giants, Ben Johnson’s gameplan called for higher rate of deep passing-plays, yet several of the Bears’ wide receivers struggled with dropped passes, totaling six during the game. Although Chicago trailed 20-10 midway through the fourth quarter, Johnson adjusted his gameplan to target the most reliable pass-catchers in the moment, as rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III were targeted to help move the ball. Additionally, Williams’ rushing ability was utilized more than his passing capabilities, as the second-year signal-caller scored the game-winning touchdown on a 17-yard quarterback rollout.

Against the Vikings a week later, Johnson’s scheme at the beginning of the contest involved another round of deep passing-plays, yet this time it was William’s accuracy that didn’t allow for the passes to be completed. Although Ben Johnson tried to stick with the passing offense by shifting to more mid-range routes over the middle, drops by DJ Moore and Burden created more stalling issues. With the Bears leading late into the game, the first-year head coach adapted a ball-control and time-consumtion offense, leaning heavily on the rushing offense. Chicago’s head coach even chose to stick with the running game to setup kicker Cairo Santos’ game-winning kick.

On Friday night in Philadelpha, Ben Johnson was able to realize that the passing offense could work off the immense success of the rushing attack, as both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai each rushed for over 100 yards. Although the passing game struggled again, as there were drops and missed passes due to wide receivers having issue with the field, Johnson called passing-plays off the run game. The key 28-yard touchdown from Williams to tight end Cole Kmet to seal the win came on a play-action fake that the Eagles defense bit on due to the success of the rushing attack.

Ben Johnson must choose the best course of action for Chicago’s offense with upcoming games

With five games remaining in the season, including three divisional contests against two divisional foes who are vying to make the playoffs also, it will be up to Ben Johnson to see how he wants to run his offense. Due to the rushing success of Swift and Monangai, it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson relies heavily on a run-first offensive scheme, especially if the team is playing in inclement weather in December. Given the play-caller’s fondness for running the ball paired with his immense success with it in Detroit, it wouldn’t be a shock if Chicago wins games relying on their rushing offense and their defense alone.

The other strategy that could be deployed by Ben Johnson over the team’s final five games of 2025 is to lean on the rushing offense to help jumpstart the passing offense through a heavy dose of play-action play-designs. Upcoming opposing defenses could look to stop Chicago’s rushing offense with eight men in the box, which could also Williams to connect on open targets downfield with linebackers and secondary members being frozen when trying to stop a run. Johnson pass play success in Detroit was due in part to relying heavily on play-action plays, especially ones coming off of formations that would lead opposing defense to believe a run play was coming.

It will also be interesting to see how Johnson handles the pressure of his team not just being on the verge of making the playoffs but fight to help secure an invaluable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs. Chicago’s head coach may just want to stick with what is working the best for his offense to help give the Bears’ enough of chance to win enough games to secure the bye and home-field advantage. Luckily for Ben Johnson, due to his prior experience and success with Detroit, he has playoff experience that will come in handy for the Bears at the beginning of January.

The Bears being successful with the way that they have won games in 2025 was not expected at all by fans and NFL analysts. Ben Johnson has done a tremendous job managing and navigating issues that has plagued his offense throughout the season and has put his offensive unit in a position to overcome inconsistencies. Johnson now must keep the trend of being able to successful adapt during the game over Chicago’s last five contests to help ensure the best possible playoff position for his team.

The post Ben Johnson’s ability to adapt in-game has been invaluable appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears began their preparations for their Week 9 matchup against the Bengals in Cincinnati this Sunday. This follows their first loss in five games last Sunday in Baltimore. All eyes will be on quarterback Caleb Williams to see if he can finally have a bounce back performance. He has struggled in Chicago’s last two contests. Despite Williams’ struggles, he has found success throwing to second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze. However, there is a negative trend developing in contests where Odunze is highly productive. Especially when going over the 100-yard receiving mark.

The Bears have lost every game in which Rome Odunze has gone over 100-yard receiving

When the Bears selected Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the goal for Ryan Poles was to use the team’s second first-round selection and ninth overall pick on a wide receiver. This was to provide a passing target to his young quarterback. Odunze was the third wide receiver taken in the top ten picks of the 2024 draft. He was taken after Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. One of the reasons why the Bears were enamored with Rome Odunze was due to his mix of size and speed. His large frame allowed him to win contested passes. Furthermore, his speed allowed him to make downfield catches.

Through 24 games in the league, Rome Odunze has emerged as Chicago’s number one wide receiver. He has shown potential to be an elite-level wide receiver. Odunze has demonstrated a quality ability to make plays lined up both inside and outside, while also making all different types of catches. Throughout 2025, in Ben Johnson’s new offensive scheme, the second-year wide receiver has been the Bears’ best pass-catching threat. He hauled in 31 catches for 471 yards along with five touchdown receptions.

Unfortunately, there is a negative trend developing with Rome Odunze, especially when he has a highly productive game. The Bears have lost all the games in which he has recorded a 100-yard receiving day. Through his 24 games in the league, Odunze has recorded four 100-yard receiving games. Chicago has lost all four, with two being last year and the other two being this season. Furthermore, there is also a glaring overall theme with the Bears’ offensive performance in those four losses.

The recurring theme in the four losses in which Rome Odunze has recorded 100 yards receiving or more, has been that the offense struggled significantly to score touchdowns. They only scored more than two touchdowns in just one of the losses. Additionally, Caleb Williams has thrown an interception in all four of those contests. This is partially due to the fact that he has targeted Odunze one too many times. Consequently, opposing defenses have been able to home in on coverage.

In a loss to the Lions in Week 2 and the Ravens in Week 8, Chicago’s second-year quarterback targeted his second-year wide receiver and was intercepted.

Rome Odunze’s high production is a key marker for the four losses over the past two years. He was targeted 10 or more times in three of those losses. Williams’ overt focus in targeting Odunze created a massive discrepancy. Other pass-catchers in getting targets, receptions, and yardage were affected. This could be the driving reason why in all but one loss, the Bears’ offense had to settle for more field goals than touchdowns. Their offensive drives bogged down in the red zone in several of the contests.

The Bears offense needs to start working off of Rome Odunze’s success

The issue of Rome Odunze’s high production in Bears’ losses speaks more to the issues with Caleb Williams than it does about Chicago’s wide receiver. The main reason why Ben Johnson was hired as Chicago’s head coach was to help develop the franchise’s promising quarterback. One of those ways to drive development is not overtly targeting one pass-catcher. Although Odunze is showing signs of becoming an elite wide receiver, Williams needs to start working off the success of his draft partner.

One of the concerning issues with the Bears’ passing offense this season has been the lack of production and focus of DJ Moore. Especially with the intense defensive coverage being placed on Rome Odunze as of late. Moore has only recorded one game of five receptions or more. He also only recorded one game in which he had 70 or more receiving yards. During their one and half seasons together, Odunze and his veteran pass-catching partner have never had a contest where both of them recorded 100-yards receiving.

Can Caleb Williams find success moving forward?

For Williams to be successful going forward, Johnson must help his quarterback learn how to find the open target.  The interception that Chicago’s quarterback threw in Sunday’s loss against the Ravens demonstrates this problem. He threw the interception on a target where Rome Odunze was double covered. Meanwhile, running back Kyle Monangai was wide open underneath with room to run after a potential catch.

It is wide open targets like the way Monangai was that Williams can’t miss moving forward. Johnson is starting to design pass plays working off of his top wide receiver.

The fact that the Bears have lost all the games in which Rome Odunze has eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark speaks more to the flaws of his quarterback than himself. In those four losses, Chicago’s offense has experienced extended moments of stagnation. This issue was especially evident during the middle part of the contests. For the Bears’ offense to succeed moving forward, Williams must know when to incorporate others in the passing offense. This is especially critical when Odunze is on pace towards having a highly productive game.

The post The Bears have struggled when Rome Odunze is highly productive appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are winners of three-straight games after another thrilling finish, this time getting the game-winning field goal to beat the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

With Jake Moody drilling a 38-yard attempt, the Bears are now 3-2 on the season. But the win may have come at a cost for the offense.

Following the game, it was reported that wide receiver DJ Moore suffered an injury and would be staying at a hospital in the area for precautionary reasons. The Bears provided that update shortly after the game. Now, we have a little clarity on it thanks to Ben Johnson.

Ben Johnson provides key update

During Tuesday’s press conference, Johnson provided an update on Moore and his status. The head coach revealed that Moore was back in Chicago and is doing well, calling the update good news. He also stated that Moore was dealing with a groin injury.

“As you guys heard, (WR) DJ (Moore) didn’t make it back on the plane with us, he stayed for precautionary reasons at the hospital,” Johnson said. “The good news is that he is back in Chicago now. We’ll take him day-by-day. But, we did get good news there from that visit. That was a groin injury.”

Johnson was later asked why Moore couldn’t fly but declined to answer, calling that a ‘personal’ question.

DJ Moore’s status for Week 7

The Bears have a short week after playing on Monday Night Football as they will host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Soldier Field. Moore’s status will be something to watch moving forward this week with the first injury report set for Wednesday.

If Moore can’t go, the Bears do have some depth options.

Rookie Luther Burden caught all four of his targets for 51 yards as he got some extra playing time. Chicago could rely on the rookie to play along with Rome Odunze and Olamide Zaccheaus as the top guys. Fellow rookie Colston Loveland could get extended looks as well.

But for now, we just have to wait and see on the status of Moore.

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The Chicago Bears were off this past Sunday with their early Week 5 bye, as it comes at a much-needed time due to injuries that had affected the roster. Additionally, the other vital aspect to the early bye week is that first-year head coach Ben Johnson has 15 days to better install his offensive scheme before the team’s Week 6 Monday Night game against the Washington Commanders. One player on offense that could benefit immensely from the two weeks off is wide receiver DJ Moore, who has struggled to be productive and impactful during the Bears’ first four games of 2025.

DJ Moore hasn’t been productive downfield in 2025

When general manager Ryan Poles hired Ben Johnson in January of this year, many analysts and fans felt that the offensive personnel was perfect to maximize Johnson’s offensive scheme, especially at the wide receiver position. DJ Moore was expected to be a significant contributor not only in the passing offense, but also the rushing offense because of how well he is able to assist with his run-blocking. Moore, paired with Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze, were expected to generate yards and touchdowns, yet through the four games only Odunze and Burden are the only receivers to record 100-yard receiving games.

Through Chicago’s first four games of 2025, D.J. Moore has caught 16 passes for 178 yards and just one touchdown, as his average yards per catch is at 10.8 which is three yards less than his career yards per catch average. In Johnson’s new offensive scheme, Moore has been getting targets, but most of his receptions have come on short-yardage throws, including out of the backfield when lined up as a running back. Chicago’s top pass-catcher from the previous two seasons has been effective throughout his career on intermediate and deep routes, but hasn’t been utilized in that way this season.

In the Bears’ four games so far, Moore has only recorded two receptions of 15 yards or more, while only having one contest where he generated 50 or more receiving yards. It has been Rome Odunze who has been Chicago’s best wide receiver, especially on downfield routes, as two of his four touchdown receptions have been throws with 20 or more air yards. DJ Moore has only recorded one catch so far this year where he was targeted downfield on a throw with 25 air yards or more, which came back in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

With two weeks off now before the team’s October 13th contest in Washington against the Commanders, it will be interesting to see if Johnson looks to find ways to get DJ Moore more targets downfield to help boost his production at wide receiver. Chicago’s offensive-minded head coach could be using the off week to devise ways to get other pass-catchers involved, especially with upcoming defenses looking to take Odunze away from quarterback Caleb Williams. We could see scenarios where play-designs are created where Moore is freed up downfield with Rome Odunze being used as a decoy.

Furthermore, Johnson can’t afford not to utilize DJ Moore on deeper routes, given what has been shown from the wide receiver over the past several years since being acquired by the Bears in 2023. Moore has recorded several touchdown receptions over the past two years on throws that generated over 30 or more air yards. With Odunze’s immense success downfield early in 2025, it makes sense for Johnson to want to have the same success for his other wide receivers who have already shown success downfield or that have the potential to be a deep ball threat.

DJ Moore has been significantly hindered by the Bears’ running back issues

One of the other reasons why DJ Moore hasn’t been utilized even more downfield through the first quarter of the 2025 season is due to the severe lack of production coming from the running back position. Johnson has been forced to use Moore as a running back because of the struggles of D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, which has included the wide receiver garnering rushing attempts lined up as a halfback. Although Chicago’s head coach has notoriously used wide receivers in the backfield of his offensive scheme, it seems this year it’s being done more out of necessity.

With the trade deadline coming at the end of October, many analysts and insiders believe that the Bears will be trading for a veteran running back to help better the position for the remainder of the season, with ball-carriers like Alvin Kamara and De’Von Achane being rumored trade targets. If Chicago can acquire a running back who can be productive running the ball, it could allow Johnson to utilize DJ Moore as a true wide receiver, which would include more downfield routes. Moore is one of the few receivers in the NFL that is universally effective when being deployed on any type of passing route.

If Chicago does acquire a running back that be effective running the ball, it will help the passing offense, due to Johnson’s reliance on setting up passing-plays off of play-action. With a successful play-action play-design, it will help free not just DJ Moore, but all of the pass-catchers on offense as opposing defenders will be briefly frozen by the fake handoffs due to a more credible rushing offense. Moore has proven an ability to gain separation from opposing defensive back with his own skill-set but could be even more productive if he is being schemed open on top of that.

DJ Moore has been one of the league most consistent and productive wide receivers over the last five years, despite working with an instability at the quarterback position whether during his time in Carolina or Chicago. Although Moore has been featured in the Bears’ passing offense this season, he hasn’t been fully impactful as he has been the previous two years. Hopefully with the bye week this past Sunday, Johnson could be able to find a way to involve one of the team’s best offensive weapons on passing plays further downfield.

The post DJ Moore could benefit significantly from Chicago’s early bye week appeared first on ChiCitySports.

There is praise still coming in for the Chicago Bears and their impressive first win of 2025, which featured a 31-14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. First-year head coach Ben Johnson picked up his first win as a head coach, which featured four offensive touchdowns and a near 300 yard passing performance from second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. For Williams, the victory and performance against the Cowboys in what was the premiere contest on Sunday afternoon, with most of the nation tuning in, being able to be that productive on that large of a stage will immensely help the perception surrounding the young signal-caller.

Caleb Williams’ four touchdown game will be remembered nationally which will help change how he is viewed

Since being drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Bears, Caleb Williams has been a lightning rod for debate, as whether he deserved to be the first quarterback selected, as there were four other quarterback prospects taken in the first round of the 2024 draft. Other signal-callers that were drafted after Williams in the first round included Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr, and Bo Nix. During the entire 2024 season and the first few weeks of 2025, Chicago’s quarterback has been often compared to his fellow passers from the draft, especially with Daniels and Nix helping their respective teams reach the playoffs during their rookie campaign.

On Sunday, Williams was the only quarterback taken in the first round of the 2024 draft to record a win while also demonstrating growth over the first three weeks of the young season. Daniels was sidelined in Washington’s victory over Las Vegas, Maye’s Patriots lost to the Steelers while significantly outgaining their opponent in yards, Penix’s Falcons lost 30-0, and Nix struggled with deep ball accuracy in a 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Against the Cowboys, Caleb Williams passed for 298 yards and four touchdowns, the second time he has done it in his brief two-year career.

Although the performance alone it what matters the most, Caleb Williams being able to play so significantly well in the marquee Sunday afternoon game carries significant for how he can be viewed nationally moving forward. It is widely known given the prominent national following that Dallas has paired with Chicago being the third biggest tv market in the country, that Sunday’s game between the Bears and Cowboys will likely be one of Fox’s more highly viewed contests in recent years. If this is the case, Williams’ performance will be remembered by many nationally, as the embattled quarterback pushes back against several issues that had recently plagued him.

Coming into the Week 3 contest, one of the more glaring critiques of Williams, especially to begin the 2025 season, has been his deep ball accuracy, had he had more incompletions than completions on throws that had 25 or more air yards on it. Most notably was his wide-open miss to DJ Moore late in their Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings that would of have resulted in a touchdown. Against the Cowboys, Caleb Williams connected on four passes that traveled over 20 yards in the air, including the 35-yard touchdown throw to Rome Odunze and the 65-yard flea-flicker pass to rookie Luther Burden.

Another aspect that had plagued Caleb Williams and that had generated criticism against him on a national level, was his ability to play from the pocket. In the win over Dallas, most of Williams completed throws came from under center and were thrown from the pocket. Since the quarterback’s time at USC, fans and analysts have debated whether or not he can be successful when not throwing while on the run or breaking from the pocket to create a big play when one isn’t available.

Caleb Williams can reinforce his national image with Chicago’ upcoming primetime games this season

For Williams, the elite-level performance in front of most of the nation helps solidify his stats, that many may not believe without actually seeing his play. For instance, Caleb Williams currently leads the league with passing touchdowns, having seven through the first three weeks of the season, and leads all quarterbacks in total touchdowns. Being able to be a league-leader in offensive production matters, given the poor historic perception about Bears’ quarterbacks and their level of futility for decades.

If Williams continues to improve his play on a week-to-week basis under Johnson, he will have several more opportunities to demonstrate why he deserved to be the first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears will play four more nationally televised games this year, which include a Monday Night game in a few weeks against the Washington Commanders, a Black Friday contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, A special Week 16 Saturday game against Green Bay Packers, and finally a Sunday Night game against the San Francisco 49ers a week later. A strong performance by Caleb Williams in a few weeks against Daniels and the Commanders would be massive, as many analysts and fans believe that Daniels should have been the first overall selection in 2024.

Strong performances in those nationally televised games, with potential wins coming because of the performance, would help solidify Williams being viewed as an elite-level quarterback. It would cause the national media and analysts that have recently been critical of Caleb Williams to likely acknowledge that the Bears’ quarterback has grown and corrected the weaknesses that plagued him as a rookie. Furthermore, the signal-caller could join a small level of other signal-callers who are seen as the best nationally, which include Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow.

The performance against the Cowboys on Sunday by Caleb Williams will be remember by many fans across the country, which could lead to them tuning in the next time Chicago plays on a national stage. Four touchdowns and a near 300 yard passing game from Williams is what fans will remember for the next few weeks until the Bears play Washington and Daniels on Monday Night Football. If Chicago’s second-year quarterback can outperform his fellow signal-caller, it will help change the national perception for a player that has been highly scrutinized the last year and a half.

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Anticipation continues to build for the Bears’ first regular season game on Monday Night against the Minnesota Vikings at home, with all eyes on new head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Fans and NFL analysts are eager to see how Chicago’s offense performs with a new offensive scheme under a play-caller who oversaw a top ten unit for the last three season in Detroit. One offensive player who is flying under the radar but will be counted on early as the team’s big-play pass-catcher will be second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze, who will have a sizeable role early to begin the season.

Rome Odunze will need to be Chicago’s downfield deep threat early in 2025

Last year during the 2024 NFL Draft, general manager Ryan Poles used the ninth overall selection, and Chicago second of two first round picks, on Washington receiver Rome Odunze. Odunze was seen as one of the top three wide receivers in the 2024 draft class, as he along with Marvin Harrison Jr and Malik Nabers were selected in the top ten. Pass-catching prospect from Washington was heralded for his immense production, especially downfield as he was not only able to beat opposing defenders deep via his speed but also win one-on-one throws due to his large catching radius.

During his rookie campaign last year, Odunze’s role in Chicago’s passing offense was a set one due to a litany of circumstances, whether due to inconsistent play-calling or due to immense collection of talent at the position already. Before the Bears’ drafted Rome Odunze, the offense already featured elite wide receivers in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, who had combined for over ten 1,000 receiving seasons. With the addition of the pass-catching prospect from Washington, the Bears’ passing offense was expected to be one of the best in 2024 while being seen a near perfect complement of weapons for Williams in his rookie campaign.

Unfortunately, there were issues throughout the year for Chicago, especially on offense as the team went through numerous offensive play-callers during the regular season, which hampered Odunze’s rookie season. In 2024, Rome Odunze would finish with 54 receptions, 734 receiving yards, and just three touchdowns, in what many analysts saw as a lackluster rookie campaign. One issue that plagued the Bears’ rookie receiver was that it appeared that there was no set role, as the Washington product was frequently either lining up out wide or being deployed in the slot.

With Johnson as the new head coach and new play-caller, along with Allen signing elsewhere in free agency, it appears likely that Rome Odunze with have a set role, especially early on in the passing offense. Although Caleb Williams struggled with deep throw connection last year, the one wide receiver he seemed to have the most success with downfield was Odunze. Several of the rookie’s longest pass-completions and longest air-yard throws went to his fellow rookie wide receiver, including a 47-yard catch in Week 3 and a 44-yard reception in Week 9 against Arizona.

Heading into Monday’s season opener, it appears that Odunze will likely be Johnson and Williams’ likely deep ball target early on, given the state of the wide receiver position. Moore could be used on shorter routes, especially now as he has been taking snaps while lined up in the backfield due to Chicago’s depleted running back position. Although rookie pass-catcher Luther Burden was drafted this year to be the team’s slot and long-term deep ball wide receiver, it appears he has struggled to be fully acclimated with the starting offense, as he never took snaps with the first unit during the preseason.

Johnson will likely try to keep the offensive scheme and passing offense as simple as possible for Williams early to start the season, which could lead to him using Rome Odunze as a consistent deep threat with the duo’s familiarity last year. Odunze’s size and speed combination, paired with a proven ability to win contested throws, will be the safest option to deploy for downfield throws of the team’s top three wide receivers. With Johnson’s desire to consistently used play-action play-designs to freeze opposing defenders, the second-year wide receiver could be a legitimate threat on downfield routes.

Rome Odunze needs to have a breakout second season in the NFL and can be aided by Ben Johnson

Heading into his second NFL season, it is imperative that Odunze takes the next step towards becoming Chicago’s top wide receiver for the future, along with becoming one of the top pass-catchers in the league. There will be a lot of scrutiny if Rome Odunze struggles in his second season due to how high he was taken in the first round, along with the other wide receivers that were taken in the first round. Bears’ fans will be highly critical of Poles for taking a pass-catcher with the ninth overall selection, especially when other pass-catchers taken later in the first round will have proven to have been more productive, including Brian Thomas and Brock Bowers.

Odunze being placed in a position to generate significant pass-catching numbers will help to prove that he was the right pick at nine for the Bears, which appears to be what is transpiring with Johnson as the team’s new play-caller. During Chicago’s final preseason game against Kanas City, the offensive play-caller dialed up several deep throw targets for Rome Odunze, one which was dropped with other being completed for a 38-yard run and catch. Given that it was the last game before the regular season, it appeared that the Bears’ head coach was prepping his second-year wide receiver for the concentrated role of being the offense’s deep threat.

The key to Johnson’s passing offense is not only to piggyback off the success of running the ball, but to confuse opposing defenses with unique play-designs from traditional formations. This could lead to a scenario where Rome Odunze is targeted on a deep throw, despite Chicago’s offense being in what appears to be a run heavy formation. Last year in Detroit, Johnson utilized Jameson Williams as the offense’s downfield deep threat, which resulted in Williams recording over 1,000 receiving yards, including an 82-yard touchdown against the Bears.

Although all eyes will be on Johnson and Williams when the Bears take the field on Monday Night against the Vikings, there will be a good number of fans and analysts looking to see how Rome Odunze performs. Odunze is in the opposite situation that he was in last year, as he has a set role on offense while it doesn’t appear that he will be battling other proven pass-catchers for targets from the team’s quarterback. There are high expectations for Chicago’s new offense in 2025 and if the unit is successful, it will be because of the downfield success of their second-year wide receiver.

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The Chicago Bears are in the process of finalizing their regular season roster before Tuesday’s deadline, as there are questions on which players will make the team. One of the more concerning positions for the Bears, especially with head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive vision, is the running back position. Throughout the offseason, training camp, and the preseason, the running backs have been a concern due to a lack of meaningful additions and now questions pertaining to talent, along with injuries.

Ben Johnson will need to be creative when it comes to the rushing offense

As of right now, the running backs likely to make the final roster will be D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai, and Travis Homer, as other halfbacks such as Ian Wheeler and Royce Freeman have already been cut from the roster. The concern for Ben Johnson and installing his new offense is the need for quality ball-carries and the team’s top three backs either are currently injured or played very sparingly during the preseason. For Johnson, having effective and credible running backs for the rushing offense, is needed due to the passing offense’s reliance on play-action designs.

Even with Swift, Johnson, and Monangai healthy, there were still concerns with the rushing offense, as Chicago’s roster lacks a true universal ball-carrier for Ben Johnson’s new offensive scheme. With Swift, he is a reliable pass-catching back and really talented on outside rushing attempts while Roschon is a good in-between-the-tackles halfback yet lacks any speed to break a significant run. Although Monangai showed promised during the Bears’ preseason game against the Dolphins, he is a seventh-round rookie who is inexperienced and could struggle with adjusting to the NFL.

Without a credible rushing attempt from the running backs it could force Ben Johnson, especially at the start of the 2025 season, to have to get creative to legitimately move the ball on the ground. Although Johnson has a history of being creative when running the ball during his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, doing it with new offensive personnel could be vastly different.  Especially with how heavy the passing plays will need the rushing plays to help be set up, Chicago’s offense needs to have a healthy balance when running the ball to avoid having opposing defenses intensely game-planning on taking away the pass.

The creativity will come by the way of utilizing the wide receivers and Caleb Williams on untraditional running plays, which has already been seen by Ben Johnson. During the preseason, Johnson had top receiver, DJ Moore, lined up in the backfield and taking traditional handoffs in goal-line situations. In the team’s final preseason game against the Chiefs, Chicago’s head coach called a naked boot-leg run for Williams, which resulted in a gain of 18 yards and a first down.

During his time in Detroit, Ben Johnson developed a strong trait for relying on trick-plays, which included running the ball with wide receivers. If Swift, Johnson, or Monangai struggle with production or injuries, there is a good chance that fans and media see play designs where Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, or Moore are getting handoffs. Johnson will need to have a threat of a rushing attack to have any hope of his passing offense being ran to utmost efficiency.

Ben Johnson was not aided by Ryan Poles during the offseason when it came to adding adequate personnel

With a potential reliance on running the ball with the team’s starting quarterback and wide receivers, it will also emphasis general manager Ryan Poles’ failure this offseason to better equip Ben Johnson with the proper personnel. Heading into the 2025 offseason, there were legitimate concerns about the running back position for Poles, which fans and the media believed would be addressed with a prominent acquisition following the hiring of Johnson. Despite having several high round draft selections and a healthy amount of cap space, Monangai was the only offseason addition made to the team at the running back position.

Addressing the running back position appeared to be a desire of both Johnson and Poles during the 2025 NFL Draft, given the fact that they traded down immediately following selections where running backs were taken before Chicago was on the clock. In the second round after half back Trevyon Henderson was taken by the New England Patriots, the Bears selected Burden 39th and then traded the 41st pick to Buffalo instead of taking a ball-carrier. Chicago would trade back again in the fourth round when the Giants selected Cam Skattebo four spots beforehand.

When Ben Johnson was in Detroit, he was fortunate to have to running backs that were dual-threats and could be used in any type of run design as he had David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. During Johnson’s three and a half year tenure as offensive coordinator with the Lions, both Gibbs and Montgomery were able to rush for 1,000 yards individually. Despite seeing the need for a universal ball-carrier for his new head coach’s offensive scheme, Poles did little to address the concern this offseason.

With the 2025 regular season now two weeks away, the running back position and the rushing offense as a whole will be a lingering concern for Ben Johnson. The Bears’ new head coach will need to be innovative out of necessity when it comes to running the ball due to the current injuries and talent issues plaguing the halfback position. Although the issue may resolve itself as the regular season progresses with a back stepping up or a trade being made to bring another ball-carrier in, it will likely be up to Johnson to scheme Chicago’s running offense into an effective level of production.

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The Chicago Bears are preparing for their second preseason game of 2025, as they will host the Buffalo Bills in a nationally televised exhibition on Sunday night at Soldier Field. All eyes will be on embattled second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who has faced stiff criticism and questions over the past few weeks for his erratic performance in training camp while trying to master Ben Johnson’s new offense. Although fans and analysts seem to be highly judgmental of Williams’ ability to process and execute a new offensive scheme, it appears that many have forgotten how much he overcame in 2024 to have an adequate rookie campaign.

Caleb Williams demonstrated an ability to rise against adversity during a hectic 2024 rookie campaign

When the Bears selected Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft the expectations for the USC signal-caller were as high as possible, as he immediately drew comparisons to All-Pro and Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes. WIlliams was seen as a can’t miss prospect that would immediately be an elite-level talent at his position, a position that the Chicago franchise had historically struggled with. The Bears’ rookie quarterback was expected to break all of the team’s signal-caller rookie records in 2024 and lead the team to the playoffs for the first time in 2024.

Despite having offensive weapons at the pass-catching position on offense, which featured players like D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen, and fellow rookie Rome Odunze, Williams didn’t have the eye-popping rookie campaign most anticipated. Caleb Williams would pass for 3541 yards along with 20 touchdowns, but was sacked a league-leading 68 times and throw six interceptions in a season where Chicago only won five games, which included a ten game losing-streak. It was these aspects paired with the success of fellow rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, that made fans and some analysts critical of the Bears’ passer and whether or not the team had made the right selection with the first overall pick.

The sacks and losing-streak seemed to highlight Williams’ weaknesses that were known during the pre-draft process, which included his inability to turn down the big play in favor for a safer throw and his issues of holding onto the ball too long. Unfortunately for Caleb Williams, he wasn’t in the best environment for a rookie quarterback that had the amount of expectations and pressure to perform that he did. Despite having the pass-catching weapons around him, Chicago’s rookie dealt with an unstable situation on the offensive line and with the offensive play-caller.

Leading up to the 2024 season, Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus would hire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to lead the team’s offense and develop Williams at quarterback. Waldron failed significantly in the role of developing Caleb Williams and as a play-caller, as Chicago’s offense often lack simple and sound scheme designs, with the offense failing to have multiple scoring drives resulting in only scoring 20 points or more three times during his short tenure. The Bears’ front office would fire the offensive play-caller after a Week 10 loss to the Patriots where only three points could be mustered against a bad defense.

Although Williams and the offensive’s performance picked up after the team replaced Waldron with Thomas Brown, another change would take place three weeks later when Eberflus was fired the day after Thanksgiving. The head coach firing led to Brown promoted to interim head coach, which in turn meant Williams would be working with a third play-caller in less than one month’s time. To make matter worse,  while Chicago’s offense had instability with their coaches, the offensive lined battled injuries and talent issues throughout the year.

Leading up to the season, Poles failed to significantly address the offensive line, as no prominent or established talent was added, especially at the interior of the line. Chicago would have multiple different starting line combinations throughout the season, whether due to injuries or inadequate play, as Caleb Williams was sacked six or more times in four different games. Additionally, there were too many instances where WIlliams had to break from the pocket early to avoid a sack, which hampered his ability to go through his progressions.

Despite the chaos and constant instability, Williams still managed to play somewhat well in his rookie season, as he never had a completely bad game. Chicago’s rookie never had a game where he looked completely overmatched by a defense as he was only intercepted twice from Week 5 on, while also never having a game where he was the sole reason for the offense’s struggles. Additionally, Caleb Williams recorded a 300-yard passing performance with each of the Bears’ three offensive coordinators in role during the 2024 campaign.

Caleb Williams unrealistic expectations are similar to what Jay Cutler experience during his time with Chicago

The unrealistic expectations paired with the micromanagement level of dissection of every throw, practice, and game Caleb Williams has is unstainable for the Bears fans and media. Far too often have many Chicago fans been too quick to write off or anoint a quarterback. Whether it is Rex Grossman, Jay Cutler, Mitchell Trubisky, Justin Fields, and now Williams, it appears that there is no winning at the signal-caller position if you are starting for the Bears.

The hype, expectations, and judgement placed on Caleb Williams is strikingly similar to how Cutler was treated when he was acquired via trade by the franchise back in April of 2009. In what was arguably one of the biggest trades involving a Pro Bowl quarterback ever, Chicago fans immediately believed that the team had acquired a Hall of Fame talent that due to his talent alone would lead the franchise to multiple Super Bowl titles. Unfortunately for Cutler, despite breaking almost all of the Bears’ quarterback records, his eight years with the team were seen as a disappointment for the one playoff appearance, even though there were flaws with the offensive play-calling and inept talent at other positions.

Williams is the closest quarterback Chicago has had that can match the arm talent and throwing capabilities that Cutler had, but despite the potential capabilities fans seemed obsessed with having a perfect entity at the position. Caleb Williams’ ability to be an elite level signal-caller is being question based off of what is being seen in training camp and for not playing in the team’s first preseason game, despite the promise he showed in the face of adversity last year. Fans often forget that Cutler won the Bears a lot of games with last-minute drives to score either go-ahead field goals or touchdowns, as he had at least one game-winning or game-tying drive every season with the team.

The criticism against Williams currently makes no sense since his last meaningful throw came back in January which allowed Cairo Santos to kick a game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers as time expired. Caleb Williams will make his 2025 preseason debut Sunday night against the Bills, and regardless how he performs, there will be scrutiny unless he has a flawless performance. Given what the quarterback went through during his rookie campaign, it is concerning that fans and media simply can’t afford the signal-caller patience while learning a new system under Johnson while saving their criticism for when the regular season fully gets underway.

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As Ben Johnson takes over as head coach, he is expected to introduce his dynamic offense to the Chicago Bears. More often than not, that’ll mean getting the ball into DJ Moore’s hands.

The wide receiver has been a stalwart of Chicago’s offense since joining the team by trade in 2023. He led the team with 140 targets in 2024. But even with Moore’s production, the Bears finished still finished the season ranked dead last in total offense, averaging 284.6 yards per game.

To help add another element to Chicago’s game, Johnson has been having Moore take reps out of the backfield. Learning the fundamentals of Johnson’s offense is difficult enough, but now rushing responsibilities are being placed on Moore’s plate. The wide receiver admits it is a difficult transition, but is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Bears succeed, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“Just be an athlete at this point,’’ he said. ‘‘Just do it all and just attack it.’’

DJ Moore remains No. 1 WR in Chicago Bears’ new-look offense

Having your versatile wide receiver take handoffs out of the backfield has been experimented by numerous teams across the league. Perhaps most famously, the San Francisco 49ers had Deebo Samuel rush 202 times for 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns over his six years with the team. While not as extreme, Johnson had Jameson Williams rush 11 times for 61 yards and a touchdown in his final year with the Detroit Lions. It appears the head coach wants to dig into that part of his bag of tricks once again.

Moore has received 57 carries over his seven-year career, gaining 431 yards and a touchdown, showing he does have some experience in the run game. With the Bears failing to add a big name running back during the offseason, they could turn to the wide receiver more often if they need a spark.

But that won’t change his crucial role in the passing game as well. Since joining the Bears, Moore has made 194 receptions for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns. Chicago may have a crowded receiving room with rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland joining the fray. But Moore is still undoubtedly the top receiver on the depth chart.

As training camp continues, it’ll be telling to see if Johnson has Moore consistently working out of the backfield. Regardless, the Bears have a clear goal of getting the ball into the wide receiver’s hands.

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On Sunday, the Chicago Bears will kick off their preseason schedule when they take on the Miami Dolphins at a very hot Soldier Field. On Friday, head coach Ben Johnson announced that starting quarterback Caleb Williams would not play in the preseason contest, as backup signal-caller Tyson Bagent would start the game. The decision to sit Williams in the preseason is questionable given the fact that the second-year player is not only learning a new offensive scheme under Johnson but is also working with several new pieces on offense.

Caleb Williams needs live game reps due to the multiple new aspects to Chicago’s offense under Ben Johnson

Caleb Williams not playing in the preseason opener is a questionable choice for several reasons, especially with Johnson installing a new offense, and what has transpired during training camp, especially with his quarterback. Williams has been open regarding the slow process of having to learn the new offensive scheme under the team’s new head coach, as live game rep would help to provide much-needed game film to assist in more rapidly understanding the play book. Additionally, it would allow Johnson to potentially find a set of plays to carry over to the regular season that his quarterback would have comfort with when there might be certain learning curves with the new offense.

A new playbook isn’t the only new aspect to Chicago’s 2025 offense, as there are several new starters across the offensive line and at the skill positions. Williams, who was the highest sacked quarterback in the NFL last year, has three new interior linemen protecting him in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. With three new veterans in place, it would be best for Caleb Williams to build a comfort level in a live game environment when it comes to throwing form the pocket, especially since he can’t get hit during practice.

Although the Bears will have several skill position players returning in D’Andre Swift, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze, they will have two rookies that will be feature parts of Johnson’s new offense. Tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden are expected have significant roles, and will likely be targeted by Caleb WIlliams during the regular season. Too often is it seen in the regular season that a quarterback and rookie pass-catcher are not on the same page, which could lead to a turnover, as preseason reps could help Caleb Williams build live rapport with Burden and Loveland.

The game speed and live setting are something that practice can’t really mimic, no matter how much Ben Johnson values live scrimmages against different defenses. Live preseason reps allow extended situations that can’t be controlled, which is something that would be perfect for Williams. Chicago’s new head coach was noted for making this difficult for Caleb Williams at the start of training camp in order to improve the quarterback’s play and growth, as playing against opposing team in a live game would be the peak of having the Bears’ signal-caller play in an uncontrollable situation.

Having Chicago’s quarterback sit out valuable preseason games now especially with the immense focus he has been recently doesn’t allow for him to fight against his detractors. Over the past several weeks, Caleb Williams has received significant criticism and analysts due to his struggles early on in practices, with even his reaction to individual throwing drills drawing immense and overblown interest from fans and social media personalities. Allowing the signal-caller to make even a small appearance and have a chance to play well in a live game setting would significantly push back against the critics that have been overtly critical the last week and half.

Caleb WIlliams could follow the same path as Mitchell Trubisky as a second-year quarterback not playing in the preseason

A new Bears’ head coach sitting a second-year quarterback in the preseason, despite the potential need for live game reps in a new offense, has been seen before as the same thing happen in 2018 with head coach Matt Nagy and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. In 2018, Chicago had five preseason games including the Hall of Fame game, yet Trubisky only appeared in offensive series for one game and the first half of another. Like Caleb Williams, the Bears’ 2018 starting signal-caller struggled in training camp with the new offensive scheme being installed by Nagy, as the new playbook was noted for been extensive and time consuming to understand.

There was concern for Trubisky’s ability to understand and execute Nagy’s new offense, especially after the new head coach sat most of his starters in the third preseason game, where the starters usually played into the second half. Those concerns were validated when Chicago’s offense struggled to start the 2018 season, as the unit only scored four touchdowns in their first three games while the quarterback had noticeable periods executing the new scheme. A situation where Caleb Williams and the offense struggle with Johnson’s new offensive playbook could be a disastrous scenario, especially for fans and analysts that were critical of the 2024 first overall selection’s rookie performance last season.

Unlike in 2018, where the Bears offense was able to take its time to get going, the same can’t be said for the 2025 team, as they are expected to be a fringe playoff team. This means that every game will count for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, and one game where the offense struggles early on could result in the team missing the playoffs in January. Giving Williams more reps better ensures that struggles are less likely to take place in the regular season because plays being executed in live game situations enabled for a quicker and more thorough understanding.

If this was year two of Johnson’s coaching tenure, it would be a different story if the coach decided to sit Caleb WIlliams for a preseason game because there would have already been a year’s worth of live game experience in the new offense. However, in a year with so many new aspects to the offense, along with Williams learning his fourth offensive scheme in three seasons, it is best to give the embattled signal-caller as many live exhibition reps as possible. The worst thing that can happen to the Bears in 2025 is for their promising quarterback to struggle under the team’s new offensive mind coach because available game reps weren’t taken advantage of in August.

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When the Chicago Bears drafted Luther Burden in the second-round, fellow wide receiver DJ Moore started seeing his name in trade rumors. However, Ben Johnson and company are looking to build out a dynamic offense in Chicago, not subtract from it.

Still, Burden’s arrival gives the Bears a three-headed monster at receiver. Perhaps some believe that that is overkill. Chicago would get back valuable draft capital in a Moore trade which could become crucial as Johnson builds his roster.

However, the Bears have spent all offseason building around quarterback Caleb Williams. Trading away Moore would be counterintuitive. That’s one of the many reasons Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune thinks the franchise will hold off on a Moore trade.

“That seems unlikely to me considering the Bears paid him just 12 months ago. The Bears would take on a $12 million cap hit if they traded Moore after this season,” Biggs wrote. “Let’s be real here too. If the Bears were looking to deal Moore, it would be because they didn’t believe his production was anywhere near what the team is paying him. In that scenario, he’d be mighty tough to move as he has a base salary of $23.485 million beginning in 2026 and for the three seasons following that.”

“I think Moore is with the team at least through 2026,” Biggs continued. “If early-camp action is a good indicator, Ben Johnson is going to be creative with ways to get him the ball, including some carries as a running back. Who knows? Maybe he becomes a little bit of a Deebo Samuel-type weapon.”

DJ Moore’s run with Chicago Bears

Moore was included in the trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 to the Carolina Panthers. With the Bears also gaining the Panthers’ pick a year later, and using it on Williams, Chicago acquired two key pieces of their passing attack in that trade.

In his debut with the Bears, Moore set new career-highs across the board with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. His numbers didn’t quite match up in 2024, but Moore still set a new career-best with 98 grabs, turning them into 966 yards and six touchdowns. Furthermore, the receiver led the team with 140 targets.

Moore is once again set to start on the outside next to second-year man Rome Odunze. However, Johnson has also been toying with using the receiver out of the backfield. Overall, the Bears are looking for ways to get the ball in Moore’s hands and maximize his touches.

Maybe it’s all a smokescreen and Chicago will shock everyone with a late-offseason Moore season. But as things stands, the wide receiver is poised to be a crucial part of the Bears’ offense for the foreseeable future.

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On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears had one of their most physical practices in recent memory, as several skirmishes broke out between the offense and defense due the significant intensity. Although the physicality was a welcomed sight, especially with new head coach Ben Johnson trying to install a cultural change for his players, the intense practice came with a cost as tight end Cole Kmet left with a potential injury. Despite Kmet not suffering a significant injury, his role in Johnson’s new offense is paramount and the offense being unable to lose the presence of their pass-catching tight end.

Cole Kmet’s presence is specifically vital for Ben Johnson’s new offense

Heading into the 2025 season, Cole Kmet will be entering his sixth season with Chicago, as the veteran tight end has been one of the most reliable and sure-handed pass-catchers at his position. Before the 2024 campaign where Kmet wasn’t featured in Shane Waldron’s offensive scheme, Kmet had recorded three consecutive seasons of 50 receptions or more, along with 500 receiving yards or more. Additionally, the Bears’ veteran tight end had recorded 13 touchdown catches in a two-year span.

When Johnson was hired as head coach earlier this year, many fans and analysts were extremely excited as the Bears were getting one of the best offensive play-callers in the NFL, as the Detroit Lions consistently ranked as one of the league’s best offenses over the past three years. What made Chicago’s new head coach’s offense so effective was his reliance on multiple tight end sets to help create confusion, whether on running or passing plays. One of the reasons why the Bears’ drafted tight end Colston Loveland tenth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft was to pair the rookie with Cole Kmet in order to create dynamic duo at the tight end position.

Although fans and analysts believe Loveland’s role at tight end will be a significant feature in Johnson’s new offensive scheme, it is Cole Kmet’s role that will be more vital, especially this season. Kmet’s ability as a route-runner and reliable pass-catcher allows for an immense level of flexibility when scheming offensive plays, especially if the Bears’ want to work from a two tight end formation. The veteran tight end’s high-level pass-catching capability allows him to function almost as a third wide receiver, especially when the Bears may use a heavy run formation, but plan on passing.

Kmet’s versatility as a route running whether lined up along the offensive line or out wide as a receiver, gives Johnson immense flexibility for using Loveland as a second tight end. The rookie can be kept in to block whether for run or pass plays, or be used on short-yard routes that could be freed up by veteran running a deeper route over the middle. Additionally, there could be a scenario where Cole Kmet is kept in to run or pass block, while the rookie pass-catcher is used on a more significant passing route.

Despite Cole Kmet’s injury not being serious, it is something to keep an eye on, as any time missed could significantly hinder Johnson’s goals on offense. If Kmet is slowed or misses any games early in the season, there is a noticeable drop off if Loveland is the team’s number one tight end and has to be pair with backups like Durham Smythe or Stephen Carlson. If Chicago’s veteran pass-catcher is sidelined, the offense loses its flexibility and ability to disguise plays, as opposing defenses will likely focus on Loveland as a pass-catching threat while identifying the backup tight end as the likely blocker.

Kmet’s presence in the offense, whether as a feature pass-catcher or as a decoy is vital to free up Loveland, matter so much for everyone else involved in Johnson’s offensive scheme. Chicago’s head coach goal with two tight end formations is to be unpredictable on every play whether run or pass. Cole Kmet and Loveland on the field together, whether as a pass-catchers or run-blockers can potentially free a Bears’ wide receiver or running back on a pass or run play because so much defensive attention is being focused on the two tight ends.

A key example of the potential confusion Johnson is trying to create with having two credible tight ends consistently on the field in Kmet and Loveland was a touchdown play called in the Bears Lions Week 16 game last year. From a two tight end and single back formation, Johnson called a deep pass play where quarterback Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Jameson Williams on an 82-yard touchdown pass. On what appeared to be a likely run formation, Johnson utilized one tight end as a pass-blocker while the other tight end’s pass-route allowed Williams to be his defender over the top, which is the ideal goal for both Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland.

Cole Kmet’s familiarity with Caleb Williams is important with new offense being installed

Another reason why Kmet’s injury, although not serious, needs to be monitored is because of the tight end’s veteran presence in a new offense. Chicago not only has a new offensive scheme under Johnson but also has two new rookie pass-catchers who are expected to contribute significantly in their first with Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. For second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, comfort and familiarity will be key early on as the quarterback could look to target pass-catchers he built familiarity with last year in Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore.

Especially without Kmet as a pass-catcher whether over the middle or out wide, Williams could struggle in utilizing the whole field on passing-plays. One of the more noticeable weaknesses of Chicago’s young signal-caller is his inability to target check down targets when the big play target is unavailable. Tight ends are usually seen as reliable safe targets for quarterbacks when a deep target isn’t open and if Cole Kmet isn’t on the field, Williams could fall into the habit of holding onto the ball longer than he should.

Despite not being featured significantly in the offense last year, Kmet and Williams had a strong relationship when the two were able to connect. In 2024, Cole Kmet had four games where he was targeted five or more times, he either had four or more receptions or at least 70 receiving yards or more. These numbers demonstrate that when made a significant focus in the passing offense, the rookie quarterback felt comfortable targeting the veteran tight end.

The familiarity Kmet has with Williams is what Johnson is looking to build with his new offense, especially with rookie Colston Loveland. If Cole Kmet misses even one or two games early on, that familiarity and needed formation flexibility created with two credible pass-catching tight ends could be hindered immensely. It is vital for Johnson’s offense to have as much continuity heading into the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Vikings, which is why Tuesday’s injury needs to be accounted for, serious or not.

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With Ben Johnson taking over as head coach, the Chicago Bears have stocked their offense with a litany of talented pass catchers. However, the head coach must still determine how to use all of them to the best of their abilities.

Wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, alongside tight end Cole Kmet already formed a strong core. But the Bears spent their first two draft picks on tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. They even added another veteran receiver in Olamide Zaccheaus during free agency. If all are at the top of their game, the Bears will be a difficult force to beat weekly.

Throughout training camp, quarterback Caleb Williams is still developing chemistry with his pass catchers. Johnson is still figuring out his initial rotation. But as the Bears prepare for joint practices against the Miami Dolphins, Johnson sees Kmet, Moore Odunze and Zaccheaus as his most trustworthy pass catchers, via the team’s Sunday press conference.

“Those are the three that stand out to me first and foremost,” Johnson said of Kmet, Moore and Odunze. “OZ is doing a great job of being where he’s supposed to be and being a professional. The rookies, they’re still learning, they’re growing, they just haven’t been out there enough to earn that trust yet. Throughout the course of spring and camp those are the four I would bring up.”

Chicago Bears turning to offensive veterans 

Of the four, Odunze still has the most to prove. While Williams took most of the attention due to his rocky rookie season, Odunze’s debut wasn’t as pretty as well. Still, the receiver is a clear favorite of Johnson’s and is line for a major role in the offense. If everything goes as the head coach is planning, Odunze’s draft placement won’t be questioned after 2025.

Moore is the unquestioned leader atop Chicago’s receiving depth chart. Since joining the Bears in 2023, Moore has caught 194 passes for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns. After leading the team with 140 targets in Williams’ debut, the receiver will once again be one of the quarterback’s top options. Furthermore, Johnson has even toyed with using Moore out of the backfield, adding another element to his already explosive game.

Kmet’s role on the roster came in question when the team used their No. 10 overall pick on Loveland. However, as the rookie battled back from injury, the veteran proved to be a strong fit in Johnson’s offense. Loveland should still have a massive role as a rookie, but Kmet isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The fact he was the first player listed by Johnson is telling as well.

Zaccheaus won’t make as much noise as the three players above him. However, he has been a trusted WR3 throughout his career. Johnson has been impressed with his ability to accept the secondary role and do whatever is necessary to help the Bears succeed.

As Loveland and Burden get more acclimated into the offense, their place on Johnson’s totem pole will go up. But for now, the head coach is looking to Chicago’s veterans to help Williams and the offense move forward.

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Don’t expect Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore to line up as the “X” for 60 minutes a game this season.

On a roster full of pass-catching talent that includes second-year receiver Rome Odunze, rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland who can line up in the slot, Moore can be a dangerous threat out of the backfield.

DJ Moore was in the backfield on Monday

Per Zack Pearson of Bear Report, Moore lined up in the backfield several times at practice Monday at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois. He took a hand off during 11-on-11 drills.

Having Moore in the backfield is one example of the creative scheme new head coach Ben Johnson is installing this summer.

“I can’t say a whole lot on it,” Pearson wrote. “But I do expect some really creative stuff from Ben Johnson in this offense. Not just trick plays, but getting guys open with the scheme and putting them in certain spots on the field. Similar to what we saw in Detroit last year.”

The Chicago Bears ran a trick play with Moore in the backfield

A video post on X from @CalebWilliamHot shows one play the Bears ran with Moore in the backfield.

Quarterback Caleb Williams tossed the ball to Moore before the receiver threw a lateral back to Williams on a double-pass.

#Bears WR DJ Moore with a double pass to Caleb Williams pic.twitter.com/HlKaSCutlo

— CalebWilliamsIsDaddy (@CalebWilliamHot) July 28, 2025

Moore has had 57 carry attempts during his seven years in the league. He rushed for 431 yards (7.6 yards per rush) and one touchdown.

On an offense that has a lot of skilled hands, this is an easy way to get the ball into the hands of the Bears’ No. 1 receiver.

Good things happen when the ball is in Moore’s hands. He finished with 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He had a career-high in receiving yards (1,364) in his first season with Chicago in 2023.

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Offense was nowhere to be found on the Chicago Bears in 2024. It’s one of the main reasons the Bears decided to hire Ben Johnson as their next head coach.

He proved to be one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL during his run as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Now, Johnson is expected to bring those same kinds of fireworks to the Windy City. The Bears spent all offseason rebuilding their offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.

But Chicago will need to fully prove themselves on the field before any believes they’re fully back. Entering training camp, the Bears’ offensive trio of Williams, running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver DJ Moore ranked No. 22 overall on CBS Sports’ preseason rankings, via Jared Dublin.

“It’s notable that this represents a drop from where the Bears were a year ago, which is clearly due to the change in perception around Williams, who struggled pretty badly at times during his rookie season thanks in part due to the circumstances around him but also in part due to his own issues with holding onto the ball too long,” Dublin wrote. “This is a big year for him and the rest of the Bears under new coach Ben Johnson, who should put them in better position to succeed.”

Chicago Bears’ pass game 

During the 2024 season, the Bears ranked second-to-last in passing, averaging 181.5 yards per game. With Johnson leading the Lions to a second place finish, averaging 263.2 YPG, one of his first priorities will be making Chicago’s passing attack much more dangerous.

But for Johnson or the Bears at large to take a step forward, Williams must be at the top of his game. His debut season saw him set a pair of Chicago rookie records for passing yards (3,541) and touchdowns (20). However, he failed to live up to his No. 1 pick status. Johnson was able to revitalize Jared Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick, with the Lions. It’ll be a much different situation, but Johnson must work the same magic with Williams.

Helping the quarterback will be the receiving room Chicago has accumulated. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden have drawn plenty of hype throughout the offseason. But DJ Moore will remain the unquestioned leader on the wide receiver depth chart. His two years with the Bears has resulted in 194 receptions for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns. Moore is poised to lead the team in targets once again after seeing 140 passes thrown his way in 2024.

It’ll be much harder to get the Bears’ offense back on track than just a smooth connection between QB and WR1. However, Williams and Moore becoming an even more dynamic duo would strike fear across defenses across the league.

Weak link 

In term’s of Chicago’s offensive trio, D’Andre Swift is the clear weak link. He has experience playing under Johnson from their time with the Lions and it’s clear the head coach has confidence in him. However, Swift must have a bounce back campaign in 2025 to retain his starting role.

His first season with the Bears saw him earn a career-high 253 carries, turning them into 959 yards and six touchdowns. The big problem is that Swift averaged a meager 3.8 yards per carry. He must be more efficient with his touches when given an opportunity in 2025.

Working is his favor though are the additions, and non-additions Chicago made to the roster. The Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson before signing center Drew Dalman in free agency. All three should open more holes for Swift to run through. Furthermore, the Bears’ only real addition at running back throughout the offseason has been seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai. Swift seems to have a firm grip on the RB1 job entering camp.

Of course, that could always change. Monangai or Roschon Johnson could impress the coaching staff and poach the job. Maybe the Bears go out and sign a free agent. Overall, Swift won’t just be handed the role and must prove he can be a strong fit in Johnson’s new-look offense.

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In just a few days, Chicago Bears’ rookies will report to Halas Hall to kick off the team’s 2025 training camp, as there are high expectations for the offense with new head coach Ben Johnson. One of the rookies that will have significant focus on him from fans and the media will be Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, who was drafted by Chicago tenth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The selection of Loveland was seen as a bit controversial due fellow tight end Tyler Warren being seen as the better prospect at the position, but Bears’ fans should have more comfort from the first-round selection once the season starts and game film grows.

Colston Loveland’s value will be shown through game film and not stat sheets in 2025

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the possibility of Chicago taking a tight end became more and more of a possibility once it seemed that Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty would be off the board before the tenth spot. Given that Johnson’s offensive scheme relies heavily on two tight end sets, there was a likelihood the Bears would pivot to taking a prospect at that position, whether be Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland. Although Warren was seen as having more upside due to elite physical stature and athleticism, Loveland was seen as the more well-rounded tight end that was needed for Chicago’s new offense.

The selection of Loveland irked many Bears fans, as they believe Warren has more upside to be a game-changing tight end. Given that the Penn State tight end was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts just four selections after the Bears, fans and the media will likely often compare the two pass-catching prospects’ performances throughout the 2025 season. Despite facing constant comparisons to one another, both Warren and Loveland were drafted by teams that will highlight their strengths to the best ability possible.

Warren will likely have a better statistical 2025 rookie campaign over Loveland, not because he is the better tight end, but because he will be in an offensive that will demand more of his unique abilities. The Penn State pass-catcher is a pass coverage nightmare due to his large catching radius and his elite speed at his position. With the Colts’ struggles with their passing offense, Warren will likely receive an immense amount of passing targets and likely be either the team’s first or second pass-catcher throughout the year.

With Loveland, his role with the Bears won’t be highlighted via the stat sheet or catching production, but through game film, as he will have a vital role in the team’s new offense. Johnson will look to run the ball heavily, but also give the offense flexibility to throw from traditional run formations. Colston Loveland’s overall capabilities at a tight end will be utilized whether through run blocking or being able to create separation on passing routes, as he was heralded during pre-draft workouts for his superb route running traits.

The difference in the roles and usage for Warren and Loveland is what Bears’ fans must consider and take into account when comparing two rookie tight ends. The Colts’ first year pass-catcher may have more receptions, receiving yards, and highlight plays, yet Loveland will have more under the radar plays that helps Chicago’s offense even when he isn’t getting the ball. It is that effect on an offense that won’t show up on the stat sheet for Colston Loveland, but later when opposing teams, the media, and the fans review the All-22 film a few days later.

Imagine a scenario one week where Tyler Warren catches nine passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns while Colston Loveland only have four catches for 55 yards, but both the Colts and Bears win their respective games. Fans and NFL analysts will take the production totals and immediately assume that the Indianapolis’ tight end is obviously better than the other rookie. Additionally, the gameplans for both teams and how they decided to use Loveland and Warren will likely not be taken into account, which would explain the potential level of production.

Chicago fans might negatively criticize general manager Ryan Poles and Johnson for selecting the wrong tight end, but could be heavily mistaken once reviewing the game film. Although Loveland might have the less productive day from a pass-catching standpoint, his high-end ability to run-block could have assisted in helping running back D’Andre Swift break a massive run for a game-changing touchdown or ran a route that helped draw a defender away from a receiver who broke free for a deep touchdown throw from Caleb Williams. Colston Loveland’s performance might not wow fans when it comes to production, but will earn the respect of his peers after the game for doing the little things that attribute to a victory.

Colston Loveland will be productive due to a well-rounded supporting cast on offense

Although Loveland’s role and usage will be more universal in helping the Bears’ new offense as a whole, it doesn’t mean he won’t have his moments to shine. Colston Loveland joins veteran tight end Cole Kmet, which will not only give Chicago tremendous depth at the position, but one of the top-ten duos at the position in the NFL. The two pass-catchers complement each other so well, as opposing defenses will have to choose which one to focus on more when the two are on the field together.

With Johnson’s new offensive scheme and Kmet’s proven ability to be a difference-making pass-catcher over the middle, there will be games where Colston Loveland is able be highly productive as receiver, and not just as a run-blocker or passing decoy. There will be several games throughout his rookie campaign, where Loveland is a featured target in the passing offense, resulting him having either a multi-touchdown game or a 100-yards receiving contest. Johnson’s offense thrives on unpredictability and flexibility being able to execute a run or pass play from any type of formation, whether it is a traditional run or pass formation.

The presence of two credible pass-catching tight end makes Chicago’s offense that more dangerous as a whole, which will enable Loveland to truly thrive with whatever is asked from him in his role.  It just isn’t having Kmet alongside at the position that will help Colston Loveland be an elite-difference maker, but also having DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and fellow rookie Luther Burden III that will enable the rookie tight end to make plays. Chicago has a complete compliment of pass-catchers for Williams and because of the immense amount of passing targets, a different player will shine each Sunday.

It is highly likely Tyler Warren has a much better and more memorable rookie campaign that Colston Loveland, but the Bears’ tight end will have more value to the offense in a way that can be measured via stats. If Chicago has a top-tier offensive unit it will because of what their two tight end formations achieve on both running and passing-plays. There is a reason why Johnson valued Loveland as the best player at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Bears’ head coach will definitely look to put the prospect in the best position to succeed.

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With a loaded group of weapons, Ben Johnson’s offense has major expectations for the 2025 NFL season. Caleb Williams has the right amount of tools to give the Chicago Bears their first 4,000-yard passer ever. The Bears have a loaded group of playmakers on their roster, including: DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and D’Andre Swift.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the upcoming season is who Williams will throw to the most and who will be the most effective playmaker on the roster. Clay Harbor of Chicago Sports Network gave two very bold predictions regarding the Bears’ number one and two wide receivers.

On the latest episode of “The Big Pro Football Show”, Harbor discussed the over/under on touchdown receptions for Moore and Odunze. The Bears analyst did not hold back and expects both Moore and Odunze to have massive seasons in 2025.

Are you over or under on DJ Moore and Rome Odunze’s total receiving touchdowns? @ruthiepolinsky and @clayharbs82 give their takes on The Big Pro Football Show. pic.twitter.com/4oJjFaDxnX

— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) July 8, 2025

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is predicted to have 7 touchdown receptions in 2025

Currently, the over/under for Moore’s touchdown receptions is 6.5. Harbor believes that Moore will catch 7 touchdowns and lead the Bears in touchdown receptions.

Harbor said:

“Im going to hit him with seven. I know there is a lot of targets to get to in Chicago with Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, but I think DJ is going to be that number one receiver.”

Harbor mentioned how, under Ben Johnson, Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for 37 touchdown passes. He said if Caleb Williams throws for 25 touchdown passes, Moore will be able to catch a couple more touchdowns than expected.

Rome Odunze is predicted to be a huge red-zone threat in 2025

Harbor also predicts that Odunze will have a breakout season in 2025. The second-year receiver is predicted to have over 5.5 touchdown receptions this season. Harbor expects Odunze to be a red-zone threat this season due to his six-foot-three height.

“He’s got that big six-foot-three, 220 pound redzone target. I think they are going to scheme up plays for him. The big body in the redzone is huge because the windows are tighter. I think you throw him up the ball, you give him a couple of these jump ball situations, big body catches.”

In the red zone, Odunze could definitely be used for fade routes, one-on-one plays for a jump ball could work well for him. In the 2024 season, Odunze made several impressive contested catches. Williams connected with Odunze on multiple important fourth-down plays throughout last season.

If Odunze and Williams’ chemistry continues, I would expect a huge season from the second-year Bears receiver. The Bears head coach should be able to get really creative due to the amount of playmakers they have in this offense.

The Bears’ offense is expected to come out firing in 2025.

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With head coach Ben Johnson joining the team, the Chicago Bears have spent all offseason maximizing their offense. While the team’s new receiving core should only boost quarterback Caleb Williams, fantasy football owners need to be cautious.

The Bears already had DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet on the roster. Then, they added tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden with their first two selections in the 2025. Opposing defenses will have a difficult time stopping all of Chicago’s options. But it may also be difficult for a single receiver to have consistent week-to-week success.

Field Yates of ESPN is a big believer in the Bears’ Williams-Johnson pairing. However, he isn’t a fan of Moore in fantasy football this season, naming the receiver his biggest bust candidate.

“DJ Moore is an excellent player who has shown himself to be a fantasy star. I’m bullish on QB Caleb Williams under Ben Johnson’s tutelage and think this offense could make a massive leap, but Moore’s outlook has me a little uneasy,” Yates wrote. “The Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III with their first two picks in the draft, adding two more pass-catchers to an offense that is already banking on a breakout year from second-year wideout Rome Odunze.”

“While it’s easy to imagine Moore taking on an Amon-Ra St. Brown role under Johnson, it’s also possible the offense just has more balance overall, à la Detroit in 2024 (when St. Brown was a slightly steadier weekly option),” Yates continued. “Moore and Williams didn’t build as seamless a chemistry as I expected last season.”

Reasons for DJ Moore fantasy football concern 

The biggest red flag surrounding Moore is simply the amount of cooks in Chicago’s kitchen. Johnson is expected to bring a dynamic offense to the Windy City. But expecting all five pass-catching options to be weekly fantasy football stars may be a bit naive.

For any wide receiver on the Bears to shine, they’ll need Williams to take a massive step forward. Moore will need to continue developing his chemistry with the quarterback. But even in a rocky season for Williams, Moore still managed to lead the team with 140 targets, making 98 grabs for 966 yards and six touchdowns.

With all of Chicago’s additions, Moore’s ADP may be a bit ripe. Being the WR1 on a Johnson offense will have him with a high ranking in most league’s big board. As Johnson gets acclimated to the Bears and figures out how to use all the receiving weapons, perhaps Moore doesn’t live up to that hype.

But he is still poised to have a massive role in the offense. It may be a gamble, but Moore has proven he can be a true star when given the opportunity.

Ben Johnson brings passing prowess to Chicago Bears

It’s a bit unfair to directly compare Moore to Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown. They’re both completely different receivers and Johnson won’t use them the exact same. But at least for fantasy football purposes, it’s easy to see why Moore’s ADP is up based on the St. Brown comparison.

Serving as the WR1 in Johnson’s final season with the Lions, St. Brown caught 115 passes for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. Moore getting that type of an opportunity would make him a star fantasy or not.

But even if the wide receiver isn’t given the St. Brown treatment, Johnson has proven he can scheme an overall strong passing attack. During the 2024 season, the Lions finished second in passing, averaging 263.2 yards per game. Johnson would need to move mountains for the Bears to take that kind of leap in year one. But assuming the pass game is much improved under the new head coach, Moore will be one of the biggest recipients.

Williams will be under a microscope all season as he looks to hit his No. 1 pick ceiling. But he can at least be confident that whenever he throws to Moore, the receiver has the potential to make a big play.

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Everyone on the Chicago Bears offense needs to bounce back for the team to take a step forward in 2025. But the Bears have at least surrounded quarterback Caleb Williams with a number of strong receivers to make the offense’s collective rise a reality.

Despite all of their additions, DJ Moore is once again poised to lead the receiving room. He has looked strong since his arrival to Chicago and is developing a crucial connection with Williams. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him lead the team in targets once again.

While all eyes will be on Williams when the Bears kick off their campaign, Moore is sure to steal eyeballs with his playmaking ability. Looking at his upcoming season with a fantasy football lens, Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus argues Moore is due for a major bounce-back and has the potential to finish the season as a top 10 wide receiver.

“Assuming Caleb Williams doesn’t suffer an injury that costs him most of the season, this will be the first time in Moore’s NFL career with a quarterback who plays at least 400 snaps in back-to-back years,” Jahnke wrote. “Moore is usually a safe WR2 option, but many variables could influence his fantasy value in 2025. He could play the slot role in Ben Johnson’s offense with an improved Caleb Williams, giving him top-10 potential.”

DJ Moore’s run with Chicago Bears 

Moore came to the Windy City in the blockbuster trade that landed Bryce Young on the Carolina Panthers. It also led to Williams on the Bears, for the record. But Moore has been as advertised since his arrival and is poised to continue being a key threat in Chicago.

In Moore’s debut, the receiver caught 96 passes for career-highs in yardage (1,364) and touchdowns (eight). His numbers fell to 966 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, however, he set a new career-best with 98 receptions. Still highly featured in the offense, the Bears are hoping Moore again crosses the 1,000+ yard threshold in 2025.

He’ll be battling for targets with players like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. But with Keenan Allen now off the team, more opportunities should open up for Moore. Furthermore, Odunze and Burden are still trying to prove they’re a strong fit in the offense. Moore is the unquestioned leader of the passing attack.

That’s not to say his play won’t be heavily analyzed. But if everything goes to plan, Moore will be an offensive dynamo for the Bears in 2025.

Reasons for bounce-back 

For as talented as Moore is, any bounce-back will be predicated on Williams taking a step forward as well. The Bears as a whole will go as far as their quarterback does. But if Williams does hit his No. 1 pick ceiling, Moore will be one of the main beneficiaries.

Ben Johnson stepping in as head coach will only boost Moore’s production as well. In his final season with the Detroit Lions, Johnson helped the team finish second in passing, averaging 263.2 yards per game. With Moore in the WR1 role, that could lead to massive numbers.

Moore and Amon-Ra St. Brown are two completely different players and Johnson won’t use them the same way. But as an example, St. Brown finished the 2024 season with 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. Moore should be ready to catch the ball early and often under Johnson.

There will be plenty of mouths to feed in Chicago, and one of Johnson’s main goals will be figuring out how to put all the pieces together. But anyway you slice it, Moore is set to be a crucial member of the Bears offense for the foreseeable future.

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The wide receiver room is one of the deepest positions the Chicago Bears currently has. Led by DJ Moore, Chicago currently has 12 wide receivers on their pre training camp roster.

Chicago added even more talent in their receiver room this offseason. They drafted Missouri standout Luther Burden in the second round of the NFL draft back in April. They also signed former Commanders receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and return specialist Devin Duvernay during free agency.

As we all know, the Bears will not keep all 12 receivers on their roster come September. It is expected that the team will keep at the very least five receivers and will definitely add a few on the practice squad to create more depth.

Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network revealed his projections for which wide receivers will make the Bears’ 53 man roster.

The Chicago Bears are projected to keep 5 wide receivers, led by DJ Moore and Rome Odunze

As expected, Moore and Odunze will be leading the Bears receiving corps when the regular season begins this September.

Bair did mention that he expects a potential competition for who will lineup in the slot position. Bair said he expects Burden to compete with Zaccheaus for the slot role, and brought up how the former Washington Commander  “always finds a way to make meaningful contributions for every team that employs him”. Both Burden and Zaccheaus should get many meaningful snaps during the 2025 season.

For the fifth and final spot, Bair projects Devin Duvernay to be apart of the Bears’ 53 man roster. Duvernay is expected to be the Bears’ punt and kick returner in 2025.

However, the former Baltimore Raven still brings quality depth to the receiving unit. It was reported back during OTAs that Duvernay was impressing many, making multiple big plays during practices.

There are two cut candidates that could still sneak in the roster

Among the players that are potential cut candidates, Tyler Scott is considered to be a surprising one as well as veteran player Miles Boykin.

Scott is an interesting name to watch. The 2023 fourth round pick still has yet to reach to his full potential. At the very least, he will likely be on the practice squad in 2025. But if he has a good showing in camp, there is a chance head coach Ben Johnson could add him in. Johnson does like using fast receivers and he could find a way to finally get Scott going.

Bair mentions that Boykin could still make the Bears’ 53 man simply due to his experience. With a solid camp, there is a chance the Bears could add him in and run with six wide receivers.

The Bears’ loaded wide receiver room should be able to make quarterback Caleb Williams’ life a lot easier during the 2025 season.

The post Chicago Bears WR roster projections revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

If fantasy football players were to target a Chicago Bears wide receiver, DJ Moore would likely be their top choice due to his alpha status in the offense. However, he isn’t the only Bears wide receiver drawing fantasy football buzz before training camp.

Rome Odunze didn’t live up to the hype after going No. 9 overall in 2024. However, he was a top 10 pick for a reason. And, all of Chicago’s offense was in complete disarray. Odunze is still expected to command a sizable role in the offense and be a trusted target for quarterback Caleb Williams.

When it comes to fantasy football, Odunze’s average draft position will be lower than Moore’s based on 2024 production. Still, entering head coach Ben Johnson’s first year at the helm, Odunze is Michael Fabiano of Sports Illustrated’s favorite fantasy football option.

“Odunze showed some flashes of potential last season, scoring 20-plus points in two games despite being third in the wideout pecking order behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen,” Fabiano wrote. “With Allen and his 8.1 targets per game average no longer in the mix, Odunze should see his target share rise significantly in Year 2. The Bears also added help for Williams along the offensive line, so he should be better protected and have more time to find his young teammate in 2025. Odunze could be a great fantasy draft bargain.”

Chicago Bears counting on Rome Odunze 

During his rookie season, Odunze caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers may have not jumped off the page, but the receiver did get a hefty 101 targets thrown his way. As he chemistry with Williams continues to develop, those targets will turn into receptions and overall more production.

Furthermore, Fabiano makes a great point when speaking about Keenan Allen’s departure. He led the team with seven receiving touchdowns, adding 70 receptions and 744 yards. Somebody has to catch those passes, and potentially more if Johnson’s plans come to fruition.

Odunze has already received rave reviews from his head coach. While the pads weren’t on, he impressed during minicamp. Once training camp begins, he’ll be given a true opportunity to prove himself to Johnson and company. If he is as strong of a fit in the offense as Johnson is hoping for, a breakout is entirely possible.

But like everyone on the Bears, the receiver will need to produce before anything is set in stone. Everyone has been focused on Williams’ struggles, but Odunze needs to live up to his top 10 pick hype as well.

Ben Johnson’s passing attack 

In his final season with the Detroit Lions, Johnson helped the team finish second in passing, averaging 263.2 yards per game. Perhaps most impressive to Odunze is that fact that Johnson was able to get numerous different pass catchers involved.

The biggest red flag to Odunze or or any Bears pass catcher is the fact there are so many mouths to feed. Moore, Odunze, Luther Burden, Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet all need to catch the ball. How would a single receiver shine on a week-to-week basis?

During the 2024 campaign, both Amon-Ra St. Brown (1,263) and Jameson Williams (1,001) broke 1,000 yards receiving. They had 12 and seven touchdowns respectively. And that’s with tight end Sam LaPorta adding 726 yards and seven touchdowns of his own. Five different Lions had at least 390 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

Odunze should command a large role in the offense, putting a 1,000 yard season in sight. Fitting into Johnson’s offense like a glove would immediately silence any doubters remaining.

The post Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore not only receiver flying up fantasy football draft boards appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following the Chicago Bears‘ draft decisions on Day 1 and Day 2, it’s fair to wonder how new head coach Ben Johnson feels about tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver DJ Moore.

The Bears drafted Michigan standout Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick. At No. 39, Chicago selected wide receiver Luther Burden III. On paper, wide receiver and tight end didn’t appear to be the team’s greatest needs.

Kmet and Moore have already had rude awakenings from Johnson and his staff during OTAs. Johnson yelled at Kmet when the veteran tight end lined up incorrectly for a play during team period. Moore said Johnson addressed his body language following plays and passes that don’t go the way the star receiver wants them to.

Who might Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson not be sold on

During an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Spiegel & Holmes Show” on Wednesday, Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times speculated on which players key to general manager Ryan Poles’ roster construction might not survive the Johnson era.

Lieser thinks Johnson has more control over personnel decisions than Poles this offseason, and he thinks Johnson isn’t “sold” on Kmet or Moore.

“And when you ask right away, who are guys that Ryan Poles is really sold on, that maybe Ben Johnson isn’t? Well, they just drafted a tight end (Loveland) in the first round, yeah, and they just drafted a wide receiver in the second round (Burden),” Lieser said.

Because Loveland (shoulder) and Burden (soft tissue) have missed OTAs this spring due to injuries, Lieser thinks Kmet and Moore will stay on the Bears through training camp, since they provide a safety net while Burden and Loveland learn the offense.

Could DJ Moore or Cole Kmet be traded by November?

However, he suggested Chicago could move Kmet or Moore as soon as the trade deadline on Nov. 4.

“It’s more to me, what happens if things aren’t going real well and a good offer comes across your desk at the trade deadline,” Lieser said. “Or what happens after the season when Cole Kmet’s contract, for example, is pretty easy to get out of after the 2025 season.”

Kmet signed a four-year deal worth $50 million in 2023 with an out in 2026. He would account for $3.2 million in dead cap in 2026 and $1.6 million in dead cap for 2027, per Spotrac.

Lieser said it wasn’t clear this spring how Moore fits into Johnson’s offense, or if the new head coach values the Bears’ top receiver in 2023 and 2024 less than Poles. Lieser did say that Moore is a downgrade from what the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator had last year with Amon-Ra St. Brown.

There has been trade talk in the bored NFL media community about Kmet and the Pittsburgh Steelers or tight-end-needy teams this offseason. Based on what Lieser is saying, no trade is pressing, and it wouldn’t even make sense given how far behind Loveland is in learning the offense this summer.

However, this is something to keep in mind if the Bears start the season poorly, or Moore or Kmet aren’t being featured as prominently as they’d like. In the case of Kmet, a veteran with an out upcoming in 2026, it’s almost like a contract season for the 2020 second-round pick out of Notre Dame.

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Head coach Ben Johnson’s arrival to the Chicago Bears is expected to immediately elevate the team’s offense to new heights. Based on Chicago’s offseason work, Johnson will have plenty of potent tools to work with.

Looking at the wide receiver room specifically, the Bears already had DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in the fold prior to hiring Johnson. But then they used their first second round pick on playmaker Luther Burden. If Johnson’s plans come to fruition, the Bears will have one of the scarier receiving trios in the league.

Just how good the passing attack can be will be up to quarterback Caleb Williams. However, at least entering the season, Trevor Sikkema argues that the Bears the ninth-best receiving corps in the NFL.

“The Bears ranked in the top five of my receiving corps rankings going into 2024, which proved to be too high for a unit that went on to rank 27th in PFF receiving grade,” Sikkema wrote. “However, much of the team’s struggles stemmed from a rookie quarterback and a bad offensive coaching staff. Chicago retained its core receivers — DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet — and added Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III to the mix while parting ways with Keenan Allen.”

State of the wide receiver room 

Despite all of their new additions, Moore will only again be the leader in the wide receiver room. He has been a dominant force since joining the Bears in 2023, catching 194 passes for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns. Coming off of a 140 target campaign, it’d be more of a shock if Moore didn’t lead the Bears in targets again in 2025.

Odunze didn’t live up to his expectations as a rookie after being selected with the No. 9 overall pick. He caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. Still, he crossed the 100 target barometer. Furthermore, Odunze has a clear fan in Johnson. The receiver will need to prove himself, but Chicago still has high hopes for Odunze.

Burden fell to the second round of the draft due to his numbers dropping as a senior. Still, he was named First-team All-SEC for a second-straight year. The receiver was dominant as a junior, setting new career-highs in receptions (86), yardage (1,212) and touchdowns (nine). His abilities after the catch should make Burden a dynamic threat in the Bears’ passing attack.

There will be some speed bumps as Johnson implements his new offense. However, Chicago has the pieces in place to be one of the stronger passing teams in the league.

Where Chicago Bears rank in NFC North 

Even with their eye-catching trio, the Bears’ receiveing corps ranked third in the NFC North. Johnson’s old team, the Detroit Lions, led the way by ranking fourth. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are a tantalizing duo when both healthy.

“The Lions recorded the highest team PFF receiving grade in the league last season (89.0). Five Detroit players recorded marks of 74.0 or higher,” Sikkema wrote. “Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. And St. Brown and Montgomery earned elite 90.0-plus PFF receiving grades.

“The Lions’ receiving corps is diverse and features high-ceiling players at every position,” he concluded.

Following them are the Minnesota Vikings, who came in at No. 6. Wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end TJ Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones all make for fine receiving threats. But Minnesota’s passing attack runs through Justin Jefferson.

“Minnesota claimed the fourth-highest team PFF receiving grade in 2024 (82.1). Justin Jefferson’s resume speaks for itself at this point; he has logged five straight seasons with 88.0-plus PFF receiving grades and 2.40 yards per route run,” Sikkema wrote. “Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones all recorded PFF receiving grades above 70.0 in 2024, and the Vikings also added Tai Felton, Rondale Moore and Jordan Mason to the mix for 2025.”

The Bears did beat out their rival Green Bay Packers, who were all the way down at No. 21. Still, the Packers finally used a first-round pick on a receiver, bringing Matthew Golden into the fray.

“Still, Tucker Kraft emerged as Green Bay’s go-to tight end with a 71.0 PFF receiving grade, and Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson all recorded PFF receiving grades between 71.0 and 73.0,” Sikkema wrote. “First-round draft pick Matthew Golden should help the cause. There are a lot of names to consider in the Packers’ receiving corps, but none truly strike fear into defenses right now.”

It’ll take time for the Bears to climb back to the top of the NFC North. But at least when it comes to wide receiver, Chicago has the foundation to shine in 2025 and beyond.

The post Chicago Bears officially have top 10 position group amid Ben Johnson’s debut appeared first on ChiCitySports.

While the Chicago Bears have made plenty of changes to their offense, wide receiver DJ Moore will still lead the receiving room. He’ll just need to be cautious whenever the Bears take on a division rival.

Moore has been Chicago’s WR1 ever since his arrival via trade from the Carolina Panthers. He has grown a strong connection with quarterback Caleb Williams and their tandem will continue to be crucial if the team wants to take a step forward. When opposing defenses see the Bears on their schedule, Moore will be one of the first names they circle.

That includes the Minnesota Vikings, who come to Soldier Field in Week 1 for Monday Night Football. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr is certainly excited for the matchup, as he has been Moore’s nightmare matchup since joining the Bears, via Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus.

“Moore has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL since he entered the league in 2018, averaging more than 1,000 yards per season,” Smith wrote. “He’s been a hard player to stop, but no cornerback has given him more trouble than Byron Murphy Jr. over the past few seasons.”

“In Week 4 of the 2022 season, Moore was targeted three times with Murphy in coverage, failing to catch any passes, two of which resulted in interceptions (0.0 passer rating),” he continued. “In the three matchups following that, Murphy allowed just nine receptions, 67 yards and zero touchdowns and recorded another interception.”

DJ Moore vs Minnesota Vikings 

The interceptions while Moore was being targeted aren’t all the wide receiver’s fault. Chicago had spotty quarterback play prior to Williams, and it’s not like his rookie year was dominant. However, the Vikings have always given Moore trouble throughout his career.

In his six games against the Vikings, the receiver has caught 40 passes for 451 yards and a touchdown. Against teams Moore has faced at least six times, he has only produced less against the Arizona Cardinals (22 receptions for 226 yards and a touchdown). With Chicago facing Minnesota twice, Moore must find a way to get past Murphy and the opposing pass defense.

Based on his overall production with the Bears, Moore certainly has the skills to do so. Over his 34 total games with the team, Moore has caught 194 passes for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 140 targets led the team in 2024.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see that fact remain the same come 2025. Whether it’s the Vikings or whoever the Bears are facing, Chicago needs Moore at his best.

Chicago Bears boost pass game 

Moore on his own brings plenty of optimism to Chicago’s passing attack. However, the Bears have gone above and beyond in bolstering their offense. Those moves should help Moore take a step forward as a true WR1.

Ben Johnson stepping in as head coach should provide a boost to everyone on the offense. In his final year with the Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown led the way with 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Moore is filling that role, the wide receiver would be in for a breakout season.

The Bears have a brand new offensive line in place with three new faces on the interior. Furthermore, the team has bolstered out their receiving room at large, adding rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. While some may say there will be too many cooks in the kitchen, defenses can’t solely focus on Moore with so much talent spread out across the field.

Like every player on the Bears, Moore will need to prove he is a strong fit in Johnson’s offense. But if the head coach’s gameplan goes off without a hitch, the wide receiver will be leaving no doubts about his status in Chicago.

The post Chicago Bears NFC North rival revealed as DJ Moore’s nightmare matchup appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears drafted tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 9 pick and wide receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 39 pick to give Caleb Williams plenty of targets in his second season. Burden (soft tissue) and Loveland (shoulder) did practice with Williams this spring as they recoever from injuries.

The extra reps Williams had with DJ Moore could pay dividends in the fall. Moore recorded 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in Justin Fields’ final season with the team in 2023. Moore’s stats crashed in 2024 when he earned 966 yards and six touchdowns, just the second time he was held under 1,000 yards since 2019.

DJ Moore and Caleb Williams are on the same page

Per Mark Carman of CHGO Bears, the connection between Moore and Williams was “growing” and “obvious” during the spring.

“When (Williams) is in trouble, he’s been going to DJ and, he loves rolling out, he loves rolling to his right,” Carman said. “He made a beautiful throw rolling to his right today. He also made a great throw to his left too. But DJ is going to be getting in the football all the time.

“That’s not any big news, but I think the connection just looks a whole lot better.”

The Chicago Bears need this connection to work

Williams and Moore didn’t seem to have a strong connection in 2024. Moore was frustrated with the rookie quarterback at times. Head coach Ben Johnson talked to Moore about his body language this spring, and it appears Williams and Moore have been in a better place since.

Moore was the offense in 2023. While the Bears don’t need him to be the only feature on the offense, giving Williams a security blanket like Moore can help the offense stay dangerous as the second-year quarterback adjusts to league defenses.

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Like new head coach Ben Johnson had said a few times in press conferences, the Chicago Bears are ripping the culture down to the studs and rebuilding from there. The only people allowed to have poor posture at OTAs are the coaching staff.

Johnson and his coaches have been vocal at practice, yelling at times when players make mistakes. Not necessarily at the player, but to ensure accountability on the field when, say, tight end Cole Kmet lines up wrong or quarterback Caleb Williams screws up the cadence.

Johnson had a conversation with Williams about cleaning up his body language in the offseason. He was seen bent over in frustration multiple times while taking a league-high 68 sacks in 2024. Williams’ No. 1 target, DJ Moore, had viral moments last season when he showed agitation on missed throws from the rookie gun slinger.

The Chicago Bears asked DJ Moore to clean up his attitude

During his media availability on Tuesday at Halas Hall after the first practice of mandatory minicamp, Moore said Johnson called him out for showing negative emotion during a practice. It’s something he’s working to clean up this offseason.

“Just to be honest and then we ain’t gonna talk about it,” Moore said. “I did it once, and we nipped it in the bud, and it never happened again. I just said, ‘I ain’t never gonna do it again.’”

Moore was the subject of headlines following his expressions during the Bears’ 19-13 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 2. Johnson doesn’t want a repeat of those negative newsmakers in the upcoming season.

“Just don’t do it,” Moore said about not showing frustration after a bad play. ”Just keep it inside. Talk about it later. Just don’t put it on film. Don’t put it on TV. So you guys (the media) can’t run with it.”

Moore had reasons for frustration in 2024 amid a 5-12 campaign. He recorded 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns, a significant drop-off from his career-high 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.

If the Bears start winning, Moore should have no reason to keep the hard feelings inside during games.

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When Ben Johnson was hired as head coach, everyone involved with the Chicago Bears were expecting massive changes. Perhaps no group more than Chicago’s wide receivers, who understand the massive expectations coming with Johnson.

Atop that list are DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. For all the additions the Bears have made during the offseason, the duo is still expected to lead the passing game. That could mean big numbers if Johnson’s offense translates. But the head coach can’t do it for them.

Moore and Odunze have only just begun seeing what Johnson brings to the table. But after a disastrous 2024 campaign, the wide receivers already see the light at the end of the tunnel, via Kaitlin Sharkey of WGN9.

“Ben’s intense as everybody can see. He’s demanding a lot out of everybody. It’s good on us to have a little change,” noted Moore. “The details – how he demands perfection. If we don’t do it, we’ve got to go back and do it again. You really got to study his playbook. I’ve been in my playbook a lot.”

“It’s been great. Sometimes change is uncomfortable, but I feel like we’re building in that uncomfort. Everybody’s getting to know each other. Everybody’s getting to know the vibe,” remarked Odunze. “Everybody’s heard about Ben’s intensity and that’s real. He’s been putting everybody on their P’s and Q’s. I think that’s good for us. I think we’re headed in the right direction. Individualize-wise I’ve been feeling great. I made a lot of gains this offseason, learning the playbook and growing. As a team, I feel like our chemistry is coming together. We’re building up to a special year.”

Ben Johnson’s expectations 

The Bears won’t suddenly turn into the Detroit Lions overnight. For all the hype surrounding Chicago, Johnson is still building his foundation with the Bears. Offensive improvement is a given, and it’d be a terrible sign if the franchise continued their woes with the ball in their hands. Still, expectations need to be tempered slightly at least to begin the season.

Still, it’s easy to see why fans and pundits have been salivating over the Bears hiring Johnson. In his final year with the Lions, Detroit ranked second in offense, averaging 409.5 yards per game. They were led by their passing attack, which ranked second by averaging 263.2 YPG.

Both Amon-Ra St. Brown (1,263) and Jameson Williams (1,001) broke 1,000 yards passing. The former had 12 touchdowns while the latter grabbed seven, which was matched by tight end Sam LaPorta, who also gained 726 passing yards. Overall, Johnson was able to orchestrate a dominant offense while having numerous chefs in the kitchen.

If Moore and Odunze become Johnson’s pseudo-St. Brown and Williams, they’d both be in for an uptick in production. But the head coach is wiping the slate clean in year one. The wide receivers will need to prove why they remain atop the depth chart.

Chicago Bears one-two punch

Ever since arriving to Chicago, Moore has operated as the team’s WR1. His debut with the Bears saw him catch 96 passes for career-highs in yards (1,364) and touchdowns (eight). Moore’s numbers dropped slightly in year two, 966 yards and six touchdowns, however, he set a new career-high with 98 touchdowns.

Assuming he remains in his top dog role, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Moore surpass 100 receptions in 2025. While the Bears have plenty of pass catchers for Caleb Williams to target, it’s clear the two have formed a strong connection. Williams and Moore’s chemistry will continue being crucial as Chicago attempts to take a giant leap offensively.

Odunze’s rookie season didn’t necessarily go to plan after the team used the No. 9 overall pick on him. However, nothing really went to plan on Chicago’s offense in 2024. Odunze still caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns. With 101 targets going his way, it’s easy to see a path where the receiver bounce back in 2025.

Odunze has already earned glowing remarks from Johnson, which is the first step of the process. If he proves to be a strong fit in the new-look offense, the receiver will take off. As a top 10 pick, the Bears are at least expecting a massive return entering year two.

Johnson will largely be judged in his Bears debut by how the offense operates. But with Moore and Odunze catching passing from Williams, the head coach has to at least be optimistic about a resurgence.

The post Chicago Bears wide receivers don’t hold back on Ben Johnson’s demands appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have one of the most talented receiver corps ever put on paper in franchise history. Receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland should give Caleb Williams plenty of options to target in the upcoming season.

Could general manager Ryan Poles pull off a blockbuster trade this offseason to make the offense more lethal in a pivotal Year 2 for Williams?

A wide receiver trade for the Chicago Bears?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes the Miami Dolphins will be more willing to move six-time All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill after June 1, when a trade can allow Miami to spread out Hill’s dead cap hit to $12.728 million in 2025 and $15.568 million in 2026.

Given Hill’s frustration with the Dolphins towards the end of last season, a trade would allow Miami and Hill to reset. Florio thinks playoff contenders and the Bears should try and trade for Hill. But Chicago would have to part ways with Moore.

“The Bears also would be an intriguing option, especially with former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on the coaching staff,” Florio wrote. “But they’re currently loaded at receiver; it wouldn’t work unless they’d send D.J. Moore to Miami as part of the trade.

“It’s a long shot, for the Bears or any other team. But all it takes is one team to convince itself that Hill can be the difference maker. The guy who can help a team that is close to the mountaintop finish the climb.”

Poles also has a connection to Hill from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tyreek Hill would be an upgrade over DJ Moore

While Moore is the best wide receiver on the Bears right now, Hill would be an upgrade for Chicago. It would also give Moore, who appeared frustrated with Williams at times last season, a chance to reset as well.

Hill had a down season in 2024 amid poor quarterback play while Tua Tagovailoa was on injured reserve for a brain injury. He failed to record 1,000 receiving yards for the first time since 2019, when he played in only 12 games due to a shoulder injury.

Hill recorded 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023, helping to get Tua a substantial contract extension last offseason, something that should appeal to Williams.

Moore’s best season was in 2023, when he recorded 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been showered with hype throughout the offseason. One of the biggest reasons fans and analysts are confident of a breakout is the litany of strong pass catchers Williams has to throw to.

At the top of the list is DJ Moore, who has been the WR1 in Chicago ever since his arrival in 2023. His connection with Williams will be crucial for any Bears offensive success in 2025 and beyond.

The specific pairing of Williams and Moore has caught the eye of star Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.  Appearing on a stream with popular internet creator Adin Ross, Hill made his thoughts on Williams and Moore clear, h/t Twitter/X user Ryyzoh.

“He’s going to be real good in the future,” Hill said of Williams. “Him and DJ Moore are going to be really good in the future.”

Tyreek Hill on Caleb Williams –

“Him and DJ Moore are going to be really good in the future” pic.twitter.com/00Ept2GWVb

— j a k e (@Ryyzoh) May 27, 2025

Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore gets his flowers from Tyreek Hill 

The Bears have gotten most of their buzz because of new additions. Ben Johnson, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden, the offensive line. Williams’ hype has come because of how the team built around him. But amongst their returning offensive skill players, there is arguably none better than Moore.

In his first year with the Bears, Moore made 96 receptions for a career-high 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. He followed that up by setting a new career-best in receptions (98) while going for 966 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. As he prepares for his third year in Chicago, Moore is poised to continue being the most targeted receiver on the team.

When Johnson was with the Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown was the team’s leading receiver. During the 2024 season, he was nominated to the Pro Bowl after catching 115 passes for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s not to say Moore will immediately emulate those numbers, but Johnson’s influence should play a massive role in a boosting his output even further.

Chicago is trying to take a massive step forward in the pass game after ranking second-to-last in 2024. With Moore at their disposal, Johnson is at least confident that his WR1 is in place.

All depends on Caleb Williams 

For as strong as Moore is as a receiver, he can’t shine unless Williams does. That goes for the entire offense. For all their offseason additions, it’s all for naught if the quarterback doesn’t take a step forward.

But Johnson has proven he knows how to help former No. 1 picks reach their ceiling. In his final season with Jared Goff on the Lions, the quarterback finished second in passing yards (4,629) and fourth in passing touchdowns (37). Williams will need to take a massive leap forward to put up that kind of production. Still, the Bears took the quarterback with the first pick for a reason. If Johnson’s plan works as intended, the franchise expects Williams to be one of the best passers in the league.

Johnson and his team have already gotten to work fixing some of the quarterback’s mechanics. His footwork in shotgun snaps, pre-snap motions and even his body language after a hit has been discussed. Chicago’s new head coach has a diligent plan in place to help Williams succeed.

Now it’s up to the quarterback to prove all the extra reinforcements were worth it. But with Johnson and Moore by his side, it’s easy to see why the NFL world is optimistic on Williams.

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The NFL Draft has come and gone as the Chicago Bears addressed most of their positional needs, but still have lingering questions at the running back position. The team’s rushing offense is projected to be a significant aspect to new head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme, as fans and analysts were expected general manager Ryan Poles to use a high round selection on a running back. With tailback Kyle Monangai being the only back taken in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Bears, Poles could now add a stop gap solution via free agency, as J.K. Dobbins would be an ideal signing.

J.K. Dobbins’ career resume fits well for what the Bears are trying to do with their rushing offense

Dobbins has been in the league since 2020, and despite fighting a lengthy injury history, has proven to be a consistent running back during his career when healthy. He has rushed for over 800 yards in two of his five seasons when he has been able to play more than eight games or more in a year. J.K. Dobbins, despite being a smaller back has also been reliable from a production standpoint averaging over five yards per rushing attempt during his career.

Another aspect as to why Dobbins could serve as a reliable option in Ben Johnson’s offense is due to the coaches and offensive schemes he has played in the last five years. The veteran running back has played for both John and Jim Harbaugh, both of whom have won a Super Bowl and National Title due to strong defenses and strong rushing offenses. Last season with Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers, J.K. Dobbins was the starting running back rushing for over 900 yards and nine touchdowns in only 13 games.

Dobbins’ 2024 season was really remarkable as he wasn’t expected to be a focal point of the Chargers’ run first offense at the beginning of the year. Although the veteran surprised the league rushing for over 250 yards in the first two games of the year, he was still consistent rushing for over 50 yards in five games. Johnson could design a rushing attack around J.K. Dobbins based on how Harbaugh used in in 2024.

When it comes to Chicago’s current list of running backs, the team has three backs in D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Monangai who are expected to be on the roster at the start of the 2025 season. The issue with the current list of backs is that they specialize as a specific type of back and are not seen as universal, whether it be Johnson being more of a goal-line back or Swift only being effective on outside runs. J.K. Dobbins, whether with the Ravens or Chargers, has been used as a featured ball-carrier capable of running in between the tackles and outside also.

With Johnson’s desire for Chicago’s offense to be run dominant paired with the current roster lacking a back with both power and speed, adding Dobbins could be imperative. Chicago’s head coach oversaw a consistent top ten rushing offense when he served as an offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions the last two years, while having a different 1,000-yard rusher over the last three seasons. J.K. Dobbins’ ability to handle inside and outside carries would be an ideal fit for Johnson’s rushing offense, as the scheme relies on running backs with universal ball-carrying traits.

The concern for Chicago right now is that neither Swift or Johnson have shown the capability of being able to show power or speed together, while Monangai will be unproven rookie without any snaps. Dobbins as a one-year stop-gap solution will give Johnson the closest thing to a ball-carrier that fits his offense, while also giving Poles a blueprint of what type of back the team should focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft. The worst thing that could happen in Johnson’s first year as the Bears’ head coach is if the rushing offense is slowed because it doesn’t have the right personnel to work at its highest potential.

Chicago’s current offensive personnel would be a complete offense with J.K. Dobbins

Ryan Poles has had a terrific offseason making vital changes to Chicago’s offensive personnel whether be overhauling the offensive line or adding promising talent at the wide receiver and tight end position. Although Johnson has a nearly complete offense in place for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, having a universe running back such as J.K. Dobbins would make the unit complete. Having a strong running game would make Williams that more efficient now that he has passing weapons in DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland.

With the immense talent at the skill positions along with the addition of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson to boost the interior of the offensive line, Chicago needs a featured and proven three-down running back. Dobbins, if healthy, could easily rush for 1,000 yards in Johnson’s offense, something that Swift couldn’t do when playing in Detroit back in 2022. J.K. Dobbins’ presence would make play-action pass plays for Williams that much harder to defend against for opposing defenses due potentially biting on the handoff.

Dobbins being a reliable running back would provide Chicago flexibility to for their other backs too, depending on who is kept if the veteran running back is signed. Johnson would be deployed in the rushing situations that suit him best which is short-yardage and goal-line plays, while Swift could be used on passing downs due to his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Although J.K. Dobbins can also catch the ball, having the versality with the running backs makes the offense that much more unpredictable having one true featured back and other ball-carriers specializing in unique roles.

Poles still needs to make one more addition to Chicago’s offense, which is adding a veteran back that checks all the traits needed for a featured back. If the Bears sign Dobbins, he will be an inexpensive option with low-risks costs that will allow the team to use a first round or second round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on a running back. J.K. Dobbins if signed could be a steal of a signing that allows Johnson to have a ball-carrier capable of rushing for 1,000 yards without having a long-term solution at the position.

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The Chicago Bears have loaded with their offense with playmaking pass catchers as they look to help quarterback Caleb Williams reach his number one overall pick ceiling. With new head coach Ben Johnson running the show, the Bears are expecting supreme offensive upgrades.

Wide receiver DJ Moore will still be a focal point of the offense. He led the team in receiving in 2024. But now, he’ll be competing for targets with the likes of Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. “Competing” may be the wrong term for Johnson’s expectations, as he wants his offense to be explosive and dynamic from all angles.

But from a fantasy football perspective, Moore’s potential has taken a bit of a bit. If Williams moves the ball around the field, as is expected, Moore may have down weeks where another receiver shines. Because of that scenario, Moore found himself on Matt Berry of NBC Sports’ ‘Hate’ list coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“The additions of Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III mean consistent targets could be difficult to come by,” Berry wrote. “DJ Moore is coming off career lows in yards per target and yards per route run. Even worse for Moore? Burden is essentially more … Moore. Their skill sets overlap. Last season, more than 60% of Moore’s receiving yards came after the catch and he led the NFL in screen targets.”

Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore takes fantasy football hit 

At the end of the day, Moore nor the Bears will care about his fantasy value. If Chicago is winning games, and the wide receiver is producing in the offense, that is all the team needs. However, those who do care about fantasy football might want to be a bit wary of Moore on draft night.

In Williams’ rookie season, Moore caught 98 passes for 966 yards and six touchdowns. It was a slight drop in his production from his first year with the Bears, where Moore had 96 grabs for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. However, it’s clear that there is a connection between wide receiver and quarterback. Even with the influx of talent, Williams is still going to be looking Moore’s way early and often.

During Johnson’s final year with the Detroit Lions, he was able to help the offense produce a number of fantasy football stars. In terms of wide receivers, both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams broke 1,000 yards, catching 12 and seven touchdown passes respectively. That was with tight end Sam LaPorta gaining 726 yards and seven touchdowns and running back Jahmyr Gibbs adding 517 yards and four touchdowns.

Of course, it would be naive to directly compare the Bears to the Lions offensively. If everything works out as Johnson plans, there will be a true resurgence on offense. But in year one, Chicago is still trying to set their foundation.

Still, it shows that when Johnson’s offense is working at its highest caliber, numerous pass catchers can succeed. In a sense, Moore’s fantasy value could go up if he takes on the Brown role. He would have consistent targets and the lead role in the passing game.

But Johnson will need to figure out exactly how the offense will function. It makes sense to be a bit concerned about Moore’s outlook with so many cooks in the kitchen. But if Johnson can help Williams become the quarterback the Bears know he can be, Moore and everyone on Chicago’s offense will benefit.

The post Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore gets murky fantasy football projection after NFL Draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Anyone watching the Chicago Bears last season wouldn’t have come away thinking pass catcher was the main problem with the offense. However, general manager Ryan Poles let the board speak to him, and what the board told him to take was tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 and wide receiver Luther Burden III at No. 39.

Poles took Burden because he was the best athlete on the board when the Bears were on the clock. Despite Chicago needing upgrades in the backfield and for their pass rush, Poles selected a player who will look to take targets from Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Loveland.

New head coach Ben Johnson was asked after the draft how he’d disperse the ball around a talented offense. He doesn’t think competition for the ball is a problem and believes it will incentivize players not getting the ball to work harder in reps.

This is nothing new. Reporters were claiming the Bears had too many weapons last year after trading for Keenan Allen and drafting Odunze. The results in 2024 were underwhelming.

DJ Moore to the trade market?

Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron thinks the Bears could shop Moore because Burden’s play style is reminiscent of Moore’s.

“Two Bears insiders think the team’s plethora of riches might lead to a wide receiver trade,” Zimmerman posted on X. “What if the Luther Burden pick was made because the new coaching staff isn’t 100% certain on DJ Moore moving forward based on last season’s performance? Burden’s play comps very similarly to Moore’s.

“To be clear, I’m not suggesting Moore gets traded this offseason, but if he doesn’t fit well this year, this would be a move they consider for the 2026 season was the point.”

To be clear, I'm not suggesting Moore gets traded this offseason, but if he doesn't fit well this year, this would be a move they consider for the 2026 season was the point.

— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) April 28, 2025

One has to wonder what Zimmerman means by “last year’s performance” being an issue.

Moore was Chicago’s leading receiver with 98 receptions for 966 yards, and six touchdowns. Those aren’t terrible stats for a wide receiver working with a rookie quarterback who was sacked 68 times on a 5-12 team.

Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden compared to big-name WRs

Adam Jahns of The Athletic also suggested that the Burden pick frees up the Bears’ front office to trade Moore.

“So, let me get this right: the Bears’ best receivers are the No. 24 pick from the 2018 draft, the No. 9 pick from last year and the 39th pick from this year” Jahns wrote. “How crazy is that? These aren’t your grandfather’s Bears. Burden was a luxury pick. They didn’t “need” him. But you don’t pass on elite playmakers, especially when they stand out on your draft board as Burden did.

“In an ideal world, he will be the Amon-Ra St. Brown option in Johnson’s offense. Receiver is also a position that changes often. Stars get traded and injuries happen. The Bears are now better prepared for everything.”

Look, it’s possible Moore becomes frustrated with the Bears if Ben Johnson is over his head to begin his head coaching career, and Chicago decides to part ways with a veteran receiver who wants to ring chase. Moore did show frustration last year while working with a rookie quarterback.

But Moore needs to be the centerpiece of the offense until another playmaker can take over games. Chicago has no reason to think about trading Moore until they at least see what Burden and Loveland can do against NFL teams in the regular season.

We’ve seen too many Adam Shaheens, Tyler Scotts, and Velus Jones Jr.s.

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The Chicago Bears used the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft to select tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan. Even though there were rumblings of Chicago looking to trade up or down in what is an interesting class, they stand pat at 10 and get their guy.

The front office chose to pass on Tyler Warren and any of the available offensive line talent to snag a pass catcher to add even more depth to first-year head coach Ben Johnson’s group. Loveland spent three seasons as a Wolverine and saw his game grow in each of his years in Ann Arbor. Even though it wasn’t necessarily a position of need for the Bears, fans can get excited about the potential that he brings to the table.

What Chicago Bears fans need to know about Colston Loveland

Loveland is a six-foot-five, 245-pound tight end who received a high overall grade from the NFL.com Next Gen prospect profile done on him. He earned a 6.70 grade, which puts him in the grouping of being a year one starter. His overall Next Gen score came out to an 84, which is good among all prospects, and he scored particularly high in the production department with an 86 being his score there.

The consensus around Loveland is that he is the top pure pass-catching tight end in the draft class, especially with what he showed at Michigan this past season. Loveland finished the campaign with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. His most popular pro comp is Sam LaPorta, which is fitting with Johnson coming over from the Lions and having worked with LaPorta for the past two seasons.

When looking at Loveland’s fit in Chicago, seeing what LaPorta has done in Johnson’s system for the past two years is all you need to know. Even though Johnson said the playbook and the offense as a whole would be ripped down to the studs and built up around Caleb Williams, having similar players to what he had in Detroit is certainly a luxury.

Having Colston Loveland means the Chicago Bears won’t add a WR

In theory, the Bears could look to add a receiver later on in the draft for depth purposes, but Loveland instantly becomes a major part of the offense moving forward. Between him, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet, Chicago appears to have their primary weapons in place for Williams as he prepares for his second NFL season.

Loveland can definitely be put out wide frequently if that’s what Johnson sees for him, with Kmet sticking in the more traditional tight end role at the line of scrimmage as a potential extra blocker in certain packages. With Kmet still under contract for two more years following the extension he signed, the Bears must have a plan in place to make it work with two tight ends in their system for the time being.

With how the board shook out, this is a win for the Bears’ front office. They didn’t pay to move up, and they got a guy they were more than fine with having in their offense down the road. Williams has another option to look to on the outside as a new era is underway in the Windy City.

The post What Chicago Bears fans need to know about their 2025 first-round draft selection appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NFL Draft is now almost three weeks away, with mock drafts and rumors swirling on who the Chicago Bears might select with the tenth overall pick in the first round.

Although the focus has been on the team’s first three picks over the first two rounds, it will be intriguing to see who Chicago could take in the mid to late rounds on Saturday afternoon.

One position that the team could look to add depth to is the wide receiver group as Illinois wideout Pat Bryant could provide a local solution to an important pass-catching role.

Pat Bryant could be reliable for the Chicago Bears

Although the Bears currently have four prominent wide receivers on the roster currently, it is expected by many analysts that the team will draft at least one pass-catcher from the position in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Bryant, despite lacking a stellar draft combine, has been generally projected as a mid-to-late round selection following the completion of Illinois’ surprising 2024 season. Pat Bryant helped Illinois win the Citrus Bowl for the first time since 1989, as his senior year featured 54 receptions for 984 receiving yards while hauling in ten touchdown catches.

During Bryant’s senior year in 2024, he proved to be one of the best and most reliable wide receivers in the Big Ten due to his ability to win contested catches and gain separation with superb route-running. His 6’2 height allows him to a fair amount of 50/50 attempts, something that Ben Johnson will likely look to utilize in his new offensive scheme with the Bears.

Pat Bryant’s size could help provide some versality at the wide receiver position, as the only current wide out on the roster taller than 6’2 is Rome Odunze.

Additionally, another reason for the potential size concern at the wide receiver position is that both Tyler Scott and Olamide Zaccheaus are under six feet tall. Scott and Zaccheaus will provide much-needed speed for deep ball attempts, but Johnson’s passing offense will need size, too, as he likes to have a diverse passing attack.

Bryant’s sure hands, route-running, and ability to win one-on-one contested throws would be a huge value to have as depth at the position.

Bryant’s speed could be a concern as he recorded a 4.61 time for the 40-yard dash; he has shown to play faster than what the combine says.

A key example was Pat Bryant’s 40-yard game-winning touchdown against Rutgers on November 23rd, in which he caught the ball at Rutgers’ 23 yard-line and outran multiple defenders to the endzone. If he can maintain his high-level route-running capabilities, the Illinois wide receiver can beat NFL defenders by creating spacing to run after the catch.

Although more speed is ideal, a prospect that can demonstrate a higher capability of route running and quality hands will always provide value in the long run, something Bryant can do. An example of a reliable pass-catcher who lacked top-end speed was former Bears’ wide receiver Marty Booker.

Booker was never seen as a true deep-threat receiver, but he managed to consistently make big plays due to quality route-running and an ability to use his large frame to secure catches. Pat Bryant can be a similar player to Booker because he consistently generated big plays by creating separation with his body.

Pat Bryant provides immense long-term flexibility for Chicago’s roster

Potentially drafting Bryant in the mid to late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft could be more of a long-term investment rather than a selection that can produce in their rookie season. Chicago’s quality depth allows Bryant to develop within Johnson’s offense and to be deployed in limited situations that allow him to highlight his strengths.

Having Moore, Odunze, Scott, and Zaccheaus gives Chicago the flexibility to draft any wide receiver and not rush his development in his rookie season, something that the team couldn’t do with their rookie pass-catcher last year.

The other benefit of taking Bryant and not having to rely on him to produce immediately in year one is to allow him to prove himself as a potential starter and replacement for Moore in three to four years. In 2029, both Williams and Odunze will be finishing their rookie contracts and will likely garner lucrative and expensive contract extensions that could put Chicago in tight salary cap restraints.

If the Bears have to move on from Moore and look for cost-friendly options for pass-catchers, Pat Bryant could be a solution if he spends several seasons already within the offensive scheme.

If the Bears are interested and see potential in selecting Pat Bryant late in the draft, it also affords them flexibility of focusing on other positions in the draft. It is believed that the team will target the defensive end, offensive tackle, and running back position early, but they could also look to add depth and talent at the tight end, safety, and linebacker positions.

If there is a talent that falls who plays at a different position, Chicago could take that talent and fall back on taking Bryant if he is there at a later round.

Taking Bryant as a backup option if Ryan Poles and the Bears want to address other positions in the draft before wide receiver, it won’t hurt to do so. Taking a pass-catcher like Pat Bryant might not be a glamour selection, but it is one that can be a safe pick due to his proven ability when it comes to route running, catching, and run-blocking, something that will be vital for wide receivers in Johnson’s new offense.

The Illinois prospect can provide immense depth for a team that has to address other positions but still needs to add pass-catchers for their second-year quarterback.

The post Chicago Bears: Pat Bryant could be a solid late-round WR selection appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As new head coach Ben Johnson prepares to implement his explosive offense on the Chicago Bears, the spotlight has been on quarterback Caleb Williams. However, he isn’t the only playmaker on Chicago’s offense.

When Williams drops back to pass, one of his top targets will be DJ Moore. Their connection was evident in Moore’s second season with the Bears, as he received a team-high 140 targets in 2024. If Johnson’s offense works the way the Bears are hoping, the wide receiver should be in for an even bigger year in 2025.

With the Bears getting plenty of hype for their offseason moves, the fantasy football community has begun to take notice. In Mike Clay of ESPN’s top 55 fantasy wide receiver rankings, Moore came in at No. 13. With Williams’ projected growth as a sophomore, Moore’s fantasy arrow is only pointing up.

“Moore has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable and consistent players, having missed only two games in his seven-year career while finishing each of the past six seasons as a top-25 fantasy receiver,” Clay wrote. “Working in a crowded Chicago WR room with a rookie QB last season, Moore did see a dip in fantasy output (from ninth in PPG in 2023 to 28th in 2024), but he was still very productive, finishing ninth among WRs in targets and receptions.”

“Moore did improve dramatically in the second half of the season (11.1 fantasy PPG during Weeks 1-10, but 17.3 in eight games once OC Shane Waldron was fired), which is notable as Ben Johnson takes over the offense,” Clay continued. “Entering his age-28 season, Moore is a fine WR2 target and a career year is very possible if Caleb Williams makes a Year 2 leap.”

DJ Moore’s run with Chicago Bears

The Bears acquired Moore in the trade that eventually landed Bryce Young with the Carolina Panthers. Ironically, that same trade brought Williams to Chicago. Ever since coming to the Windy City, Moore has developed into the team’s top receiving option.

He set new career-highs in receiving yards (1,354) and touchdowns (eight) in his first season with the Bears. Year two saw him break his reception record with 98. Overall, Moore’s two years in Chicago have seen him produce 194 catches for 2,330 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Alongside his 98 grabs in 2024, Moore had 966 yards and six touchdowns. By a pure statistical standpoint it was a down year for him. But it was a down year for the entire Bears’ offense, as Chicago finished dead last in total offense, averaging just 284.6 YPG. And still, Moore almost broke 1,000 yards receiving.

Now entering his third year, the receiver will be preparing for an entirely different scheme under Johnson. He’ll still be in a featured role, playing for an offense with a real sense of structure. And if Williams continues developing under Johnson, Moore will be one of the biggest players to reap the benefits. Well, and fantasy football players that is.

Reasons for Chicago Bears passing attack optimism 

Based on their total offense stat, it’s not a shock that Chicago finished second-to-last in the pass game, averaging 181.5 yards per game. It’s hard for Moore or any receiver to be a fantasy marvel under those conditions. While the Bears won’t look like the Detroit Lions – at least not in year one – it’s important to note that Johnson helped that franchise finish second in passing in 2024, averaging 263.2 YPG.

Detroit had two receivers eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Based on how the Bears are structured, Moore would fill the Brown role. Seeing as the receiver had 115 catches for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, Moore would certainly take on the responsibility.

But there is only so much Moore can do. He can run all the right routes and beat every defender, but if Chicago doesn’t have enough time to get him the ball, it won’t matter. The Bears massively bulked up their offensive line for that right, ensuring Williams stays upright in the pocket. If Williams has more time – and doesn’t hold onto the ball too long – Moore should be available for a large chunk gain.

The pieces all still need to come together, optimism will only get you so far. But in terms of fantasy football, Moore’s ceiling has been massively raised entering 2025.

The post Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore gaining major fantasy football buzz before 2025 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With the 2025 NFL Draft now less than a month away, Focus on who the Chicago Bears could potentially select with the tenth overall selection. Due to general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson addressing the team’s most pressing needs along the offensive line and defensive line, it is expected that they could target either the defensive end or running back position, especially if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty drops. Although there is significant benefit to taking a prospect like Jeanty, it could be more beneficial for Caleb Williams’ development at the quarterback position if the Bears select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at ten.

Tyler Warren’s size would provide a different aspect to Caleb Williams’ growth at the quarterback position

Warren is seen as the best tight end prospect in the NFL Draft due to his imposing and nearly impossible to cover size, as he stands at six foot six inches while possessing an arm length of over 31 inches. During his time at Penn State, Tyler Warren proved to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses as he was able to win contested catches against defenders over the middle while also towering over defenders in the secondary when utilized on outside routes. The tight end recorded 104 receptions for over 1,233 receiving yards while recording eight touchdown catches.

Although the Bears already have one of the better tight ends in Cole Kmet, who is seen as one of the best size to speed talents at his position, adding Warren would give the team the best combo at tight end. Additionally, Johnson’s new offense would have an insane level of flexibility due to the duo’s ability to get open in different ways. Kmet’s superb route-running capabilities paired with Tyler Warren’s size advantage would create a litany of pass coverage issues for opposing defenses, especially over the middle of the field.

Warren’s size and matchup advantage would also prove to be vastly beneficial to Williams heading into the quarterback’s second season in the NFL. Having a pass-catcher with a massive catch radius would allow Chicago’s young quarterback to utilize more touch passes, especially fade routes where the receiver is able to win on 50/50 throws. Last season, the Bears’ offense rarely featured 50/50 throws, as the offense really lacked a talent at the skill position that had a noticeable size difference to allow for passes to be attempted.

Having the size advantage that Tyler Warren possesses will invaluable when it comes to red-zone and goal-line situation. The last time the Bears made the playoffs in 2020, they had offensive success with tight end Jimmy Graham who recorded eight touchdown catches, with seven coming in goal line situations. Warren’s presence. along with Kmet, Rome Odunze, and Dj Moore, Chicago’s offense will have more opportunity to convert their redzone situations into touchdown scores.

Another way selecting Warren would be beneficial to Chicago’s red zone and goal line offense is by offsetting the size at the team’s running back position. As of right now, the only true goal line back the team has is Roschon Johnson who recorded six touchdowns in goal-to-go situations. If the team drafts another small-sized running back, it may force Williams to have to attempt more touch and 50/50 throws, especially with Tyler Warren’s size to utilize in those situations.

Brock Bowers’ success could allow for the Bears to capitalize if Tyler Warren were to be selected

If Warren is there when the Bears draft at ten, the success the Las Vegas Raiders had with rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024 could be the deciding factor. Tyler Warren has received comparison to Bowers during this year’s draft process due to the similar size and the matchup advantage the tight ends possessed during their college careers. Last season, the Raiders’ rookie tight end was named an All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl due to his 112 receptions, which led to 1,194 yards and five touchdown catches.

Bowers is likely to receive immense pass coverage from opposing defenses in 2025, which will result in other pass-catchers on the Raiders offense to be able to be more productive. If the Bears take Warren tenth overall, there could be similar coverage focus paid to the rookie tight end, as opposing defenses may not want to be beat over the middle. Unlike Las Vegas’ offense, Chicago’s offense features several offensive weapons capable of having immense success if not respected from a coverage standpoint, as several pass-catcher recorded multiple 100-yard receiving games in 2024.

Johnson’s offense also uses the tight end position significantly in his offense, and having both Kmet and Warren would heighten the potential for an offensive scheme that has been a top five offense the last three seasons in Detroit. Tyler Warren could be used the same way Sam LaPorta has been used the last two years as the Lions’ pass-catcher has recorded over 1,600 receiving yards in his first two seasons in the league, including a being named to the Pro Bowl his rookie season in 2023.

The Bears are in a rare and terrific situation to where they can select any player available as there are quality prospects on both offense and defense that can be difference makers. Tyler Warren’s size alone makes him a very tempting selection at ten, as his presence would create immediate and valuable flexibility for Williams and Chicago’s passing offense. Pairing Warren with Kmet would resulting a near impossible passing offense to defend, something that was an issue for the Bears last season.

The post Tyler Warren’s attributes may be too hard for the Bears to pass up in the 2025 NFL Draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

While there isn’t much top-end wide receiver talent in the free agent market this offseason, the Chicago Bears could look to capitalize on depth signings at the position. Other needs for the team right now could limit their ability to go after an impactful receiver in the draft, so free agency could be an avenue where the front office brings in one or more weapons for Caleb Williams ahead of his second NFL season.

DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the top dogs in the Bears receiver room, but they won’t be able to do everything alone this season. Cole Kmet should see a much bigger role in 2025 compared to last year with Ben Johnson coming in to run Chicago’s offense, so contributions will hopefully come in from the tight end position in a big way.

When looking for a number three or four target in the receiver room in free agents, the Bears could look at a former Los Angeles Ram who put together a solid 2024 campaign.

Why the Chicago Bears should look into Demarcus Robinson

Demarcus Robinson enjoyed a 2024 season where he broke 500 receiving yards for the first time in his career. He finished with 505 yards on 31 catches to go with his single-season high in touchdowns with seven. Robinson was a fourth-round draft pick of the Chiefs in 2016, but didn’t see NFL action until the 2017 season.

Robinson spent 2017 through 2021 with Kansas City and was a member of the 2020 Super Bowl Champion squad. From there, he joined Baltimore for the 2022 season before latching on in Los Angeles for the last two years. Robinson’s 2024 season allowed for him to reach over 3,000 career receiving yards while having to step into some big shoes.

Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua were down at the beginning of this past season and Robinson was one of the veteran receivers who stepped up. This stretch is mainly why he posted better yardage and touchdown numbers than ever before, but he proved himself to be a guy who can take on a bigger role when needed. If Odunze or Moore were to miss time in 2025, a player like Robinson could be called upon to make an impact.

Robinson will turn 31 during the upcoming season, and Sportrac has his estimated salary sitting at $3.0 million in free agency. With a one-year-deal expected for Robinson, Ryan Poles would not have to bat an eye when offering him a contract.

Why Demarcus Robinson might not fit with the Chicago Bears

While it was nice to see Robinson step up this past season and put up solid numbers, he hasn’t held a major role in an offense that he has been involved with in his career. It doesn’t help that he has been on great teams with fantastic receivers, but it hurts his stock when teams look at his track record as a whole.

If the Bears are looking for a number three receiver who can consistently work with the volume of targets that Keenan Allen got last year, Robinson probably is not the guy for them. If they can get Robinson to agree on being the number four option out of the receiver room for Johnson, then there could be a possibility he signs on Wednesday. It is likely that he will want a bigger role and the Bears don’t view him in that receiver three tier.

The post Chicago Bears 2025 NFL free agency profile: Demarcus Robinson appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The offensive side of the ball will continue to be addressed this offseason for the Chicago Bears when free agency is officially underway next week. Arguably the biggest free agent receiver that was set to be on the open market is officially off the board for Chicago. Hollywood Brown agreed to another one-year deal to stay with the Kansas City Chiefs, eliminating what would have been a fantastic fit for Ben Johnson’s scheme.

With the third receiver spot up for grabs, the Bears’ front office will need to pivot to the open market instead of snagging the top option. A solid blend of younger and veteran agents will be free agents next week, but it will all be about the best fit for the new offense.

Caleb Williams has a good cast around him right now with receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze along with tight end Cole Kmet. Keenan Allen was the other member of the crew last year, but his game likely won’t line up with what the Bears are looking for this season. One quicker veteran receiver on the market that Chicago should keep an eye on has plenty of experience and success in the NFL.

Why Brandin Cooks should interest the Chicago Bears

Cooks was a first round pick of the Saints back in 2014 and has played for five different organizations in his career. The 31-year-old spent 2024 as a member of the Cowboys after being with them the year prior, and he only logged 10 games due to injury.

This past season, Cooks had 26 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Despite him having a smaller role in the Cowboys offense, this was certainly a down year for Cooks. Even though he missed a decent chunk of games, his production was still not where he probably would have liked it to be in a contract year.

Cooks has the type of game that Johnson wouldn’t mind adding to his system. The age factor for former Oregon State Beaver hasn’t changed the fact that speed is the major tool that he goes to for success. Because of this, Cooks would play off Moore and Odunze well on the outside.

Sportrac has Cooks’ estimated salary for the 2025 season at $5.2 million per season on a one-year deal. The Bears have already used some of the $80 million in cap space this offseason in addressing the offensive line, but a smaller deal like this for Cooks is well within their budget.

Why the Chicago Bears should steer clear of Brandin Cooks

Cooks’ age and injury history could scare the Bears in looking his way in free agency this offseason. There is no denying that he brings a solid resume to the table, but if there are any concerns about his ability to stay healthy over the course of the season, they should hold off on bringing him in.

While Cooks could be seen as a bridge receiver for a potential draft pick this year to get acclimated to life in the NFL before taking over next year, the Bears might be looking for a player who can be around for more than one season in their new-look offense.

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When the Chicago Bears add a third receiver alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze this offseason, it is likely that they will do so through the free agent market. While this draft class of wideouts is a decent one, Chicago’s front office will likely prioritize the trenches and possibly the running back position with their premier picks in April.

Luckily for the Bears, this crop of free agent receivers that are set to hit the open market in just a few weeks are very solid. New head coach Ben Johnson could look to target a new weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams that fits his scheme of playing fast. Keenan Allen was the third wide receiver in the Bears offense in 2024 but his skillset and lack of quickness could keep him off Chicago’s radar in free agency.

The Bears can take their pursuit of a new wide receiver in various directions. Depending on how much they want to spend on the position, the possibilities in this market are endless. Chicago’s front office has around $80 million in cap space to work with at the moment and outside of applying it to the trenches, they can spend bigger on another weapon if that’s the route they choose to take. The biggest wide receiver on the market could be attractive for the Bears based on what he’s brought to Tampa Bay over the last eight seasons.

Why Chris Godwin makes sense for the Chicago Bears

Chris Godwin could be playing for a new team this fall as he is testing the open market for the first time in his career. The wide receiver was a third-round draft choice of the Buccaneers out of Penn State in 2017 and instantly became a staple in their offense. Godwin has four 1,000 yard seasons to his name in his career, with the most in a single year being 1,333 yards in 2019.

Godwin only logged seven games this past season after dislocating his ankle in a Monday night loss to the Ravens which ended his season. His 2024 year saw him haul in 50 passes for 576 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per catch. Godwin found himself in the end zone five times, having two scores in Tampa Bay’s 51-27 blowout victory on October 13.

The 28-year-old has been the definition of consistent as long as he has been able to stay healthy since entering the NFL. Despite being a higher profile free agent, the Bears have the cap flexibility to make a play at him if the front office is serious about bringing him in. A winning pedigree comes with Godwin as well, as he won the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2020.

Why the Chicago Bears should steer clear of Chris Godwin

Godwin’s injury certainly puts a damper on his free agency saga this offseason. Anytime an explosive player comes off a lower body injury as significant as his, there will be plenty of reason to worry about the long term impact when agreeing to a bigger contract.

Sportrac’s estimated deal for Godwin right now is for three years for just under $68 million in total. The average annual value on a contract like that for the veteran receiver would come out to $22.5 million per season. That’s a steep price for someone coming off a serious injury even though Chicago has the funds to make a deal like that work.

If Godwin’s price can come down in the open market, the Bears should certainly be involved in his sweepstakes. However, if he’s looking for another north of $20 million per season, it would probably be best to avoid him and look at other options in free agency.

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As Ben Johnson steps into his new role as Chicago Bears head coach, he’s looking for playmakers. At the wide receiver position, there is perhaps no better playmaker on the Chicago’s roster than DJ Moore.

Coming over in the Bears’ blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, Moore immediately solidified his role as the top option in Chicago’s passing attack. He was a key weapon for rookie Caleb Williams and will continue to be called upon as the quarterback continues to develop.

Johnson is well aware of Moore’s skill set and what he brings to the table. But he is also challenging him to add an extra element to his game to set the Bears up for long-term offensive success, via the Waddle & Silvy podcast on ESPN1000.

“DJ Moore is one of the best run-after-the-catch receivers in the NFL,” Johnson said. “I don’t know that the rest of the league knows that per se. So we’ve just got to find a way to get him the ball a certain number of times every game.”

“Of course, he knows he better be blocking as well,” Johnson continued. “Because no block, no rock.”

DJ Moore’s career with Chicago Bears thus far 

In Moore’s first season with the Bears, he broke out for 96 catches and career-highs in both receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (eight). His yardage (966) and touchdowns (six) dropped in 2024, but Moore set a new career-high with 98 receptions.

And even if his numbers were down, he still led the Bears in receiving yards. The receiver below him was Keenan Allen, who didn’t register 800 yards receiving. With John supposedly fixing Chicago’s offense, it seems likely that Moore will be one of the biggest beneficiaries, doubling down on his already solid approach.

Allen did lead the Bears in receiving touchdowns with seven. His departure would seemingly open up more red zone opportunities for Moore. But that all depends on how Chicago plans to address their wide receiver room in free agency and the draft.

Regardless of who they bring in, DJ Moore will undoubtedly have a major role in the Bears’ 2025 offense. Getting even stronger as a blocker would only have Moore shining brighter in Johnson’s eyes.

Fixing Bears passing attack 

Even with Moore, Allen and first-round rookie Rome Odunze, the Chicago Bears still ended their 2024 season ranked 31st in passing, averaging 181.5 yards per game. Williams’ 3,541 passing yards ranked 17th amongst all quarterbacks.

To fix the passing attack, Chicago’s plan must come in three parts. For starters, it’s figuring out exactly who will be in the wide receiver room. Moore and Odunze are locks, but Allen is set to become a free agent. Behind him, only former fourth-rounder Tyler Scott remains. The Bears must decide who their third wide receiver option will be in Johnson’s offense.

Not a secret to anyone paying attention to the Bears, but Chicago must fix their offensive line for any success with the ball in their hands. Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times in 2024. He can’t make plays if he’s spending half the game on his back. The Bears must be diligent in ensuring they’re strong in the trenches.

Thirdly, it all comes down to consistent coaching. Chicago made an unprecedented move in firing head coach Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season. That also switched around Thomas Brown’s role as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was released previously. The Bears are still building their offensive foundation. Having an actual gameplan in place would add much-needed consistency.

The Detroit Lions were explosive under Ben Johnson, but it’d be foolishly to expect the Chicago Bears to immediately become offensive world beaters. Still, Johnson knows exactly what it takes to build a strong offense. DJ Moore will be one of the key pieces of Chicago’s revolution.

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Up until Matt Eberflus was fired during the 2024 season, the Chicago Bears’ defense was by far the strongest unit on the team. Defense as a whole has been the anchor of Bears football for a majority of the organization’s lengthy history, so seeing the group take such a drastic step back after the coaching change in November spoke volumes.

The reason why the Bears stayed in games they realistically have any business being in during the Eberflus era was because of how often the defense showed up when it mattered the most. If you look back at the 2018 squad that tragically lost to the Eagles in the Wild Card round, they were held together by the best defense in the league.

While having an incredible defense is certainly never a bad thing, the NFL has gravitated to an offensive heavy league now more than ever. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have had dominant defenses over the past few seasons but their lack of offensive production prevents them from going anywhere in the playoffs.

Johnson knows how important all three phases of the game are going to be the Bears in his first season as head coach. There are some things that need to be cleaned up in each unit, but that’s for the front office to attack with full force this offseason.

Ben Johnson acknowledges the Chicago Bears need to be balanced

When Johnson spoke to the media at the combine on Tuesday, he reiterated that all three units would be extremely important entering 2025.

“We want playmakers all over the roster,” Johnson said. 

These seven words from Johnson aren’t earth-shattering by any means, but it’s important to note that he wants to make sure this team is as well-rounded as possible entering his first season leading the charge. Chicago has been known as a quarterback graveyard historically. They’re hoping to change that narrative with the Johnson and Caleb Williams duo on the offensive side of things moving forward.

Williams has two playmakers to work with on offense already in receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. While the Bears are going to add a third wideout to the fray before camp, the main focus for the front office with this offense will be binging in three new offensive lineman to protect Williams and improve the run game.

The current Chicago Bears defense could worry Ben Johnson

Johnson also mentioned in his presser that he wants defenders he struggles to scheme against on his team, but that’s not always an easy thing to achieve.

“But at the same time, we know complementary football wins in this league,” Johnson said. 

This wasn’t a direct shot toward the defense from Johnson by any means, but it isn’t the biggest boost of confidence either. The main thing missing from the defensive side of the ball that the front office cannot ignore for another offseason is in the pass rushing department.

Montez Sweat needs help getting to the quarterback and not having a strong edge rushing group will not fly in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme. The long time New Orleans Saints coach prioritizes pressure up front and runs a 4-3 system.

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The Chicago Bears offense will operate much differently in the 2025 season under new head coach Ben Johnson. With the offensive line allowing 68 sacks this past season, the trenches with be a huge priority for the Bears front office with free agency opening up in just over a month.

Along with a need for help upfront, a new target will be brought in for Caleb Williams ahead of his second season in the league. He operated with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen and tight end Cole Kmet as a rookie, but the new scheme from Johnson will change the way things look moving forward.

Allen doesn’t fit Johnson’s mold for a wide receiver due to his lack of speed. The veteran isn’t likely to return for the upcoming season, leaving a hole for the front office to fill. If they want to attack the need in free agency, there are a few different options they could pursue. One obvious candidate is coming off an injury but has the NFL track record to make a big impact for 2025.

Hollywood Brown would make sense for the Chicago Bears

Hollywood Brown inked a one-year deal with the Kansas Chiefs last offseason after spending the previous two years with the Arizona Cardinals. Brown took a risk by betting on himself with a one-year contract and it unfortunately did not go the way he would have liked due to injury.

The veteran went on the IR with a shoulder injury and missed the first 14 games of the season because of it. In the two regular season and two playoff matchups that he has played in so far this year, Brown has just nine catches for 91 yards.

Brown’s play style relies on speed early and often, which is right on par for what Johnson could be looking to add alongside Moore and Odunze in the receiver room. He finished his time with the Cardinals having over 1,200 yards in two seasons and had his first 1,000 yard campaign of his career in 2021 with the Ravens.

If Brown does not return to Kansas City, he will be playing on his third team in three years. He was a first round draft choice of the Ravens in 2019 and he played his college ball at Oklahoma. Brown has 28 career scores and averages over 11 yards per catch in his six seasons in the league.

The contract for Hollywood Brown would be a good price to pay

The Chiefs gave the speedster $11 million this season, but Brown would be lucky to get half of that offered his way in free agency. With his experience and success in the NFL, the Bears have no excuse to not meet with Brown to talk about a deal in March.

With the draft not being as much of a given with wide receivers outside of the first two days, it might be smarter for the Bears to pursue one in free agency. Based on what they need in their new scheme, Brown would be an excellent fit for the organization.

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson made a strong first impression on several of his players, including actually scaring one of his offense’s premier playmakers.

In his second season in a Bears uniform, and first catching passes from quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver DJ Moore caught 98 passes for 966 yards and six touchdowns, despite being the focal point of a wildly inconsistent offense.

Johnson was hired in part to change that last part, and to get the most out of Williams as he enters the next stage of his development.

Ben Johnson has strong message for Bears players

Moore, though, revealed just how strong a first impression Johnson made during their first meeting shortly after his January 20th hiring.

“I was left with being scared,” Moore said, during a recent appearance on Up and Adams. “He said be comfortable being uncomfortable, so … ”

Johnson seems to be calling on his players, such as Moore to embrace the challenge that it takes to improve, which the Bears are going to need to do– and quickly in an NFC North division that also houses the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings who all made the postseason in 2024 and could be considered Super Bowl contenders in 2025.

But, with Johnson’s influence, and Williams making strides during his second season throwing to the likes of Moore, Rome Odunze, and tight end Cole Kmet, if the Bears buy in, Chicago could be looking at a rapid turnaround.

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The Chicago Bears will be looking to bring in new receivers that fit new head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme before his first season at the helm. The guru operated with plenty of speed throughout his time as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and despite him wanting to rip down the playbook in Chicago, his personnel concepts should remain the same.

Keenan Allen isn’t likely to return to the Bears in 2025 due to the changes on the coaching staff. Fans were frustrated with the veteran’s occasion drop issues during the year, but he put up solid numbers and was a reliable target for Caleb Williams.

Allen’s play style does not align with Johnson’s scheme, making him an easy candidate to head back to Los Angeles and either re-join the Chargers or sign with the Rams.

Chicago being in the market for a third wideout next to DJ Moore and Rome Odunze should have them paying attention to a star that will be on the move this offseason. Even though the front office will be locked into the free agent market and the draft, the possibility of bringing in the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year could catch Ryan Poles’ eye.

Cooper Kupp’s numbers would take the Chicago Bears to new heights

Cooper Kupp has been as consistent as can be for the Rams when he has stayed healthy in his career. He won the triple crown in 2021 by having the most receptions, yards and touchdowns en route to the first Super Bowl victory in his career. Kupp hasn’t played a full season since that year, but has still found a way to be extremely productive when he is on the field.

In 2024, Kupp logged 12 games in the eighth season of his career. Battling through injury, the veteran finished the year 67 catches for 710 yards and six scores. The Rams informed Kupp on Monday that this past season with the organization was his last.

Los Angeles will be looking to trade the 31-year-old this offseason after they drafted him in the third round of the 2017 draft. Many teams should be lining up for Kupp’s services in the trade market, and the Bears should not be counted out in the sweepstakes based on the assets they have to give and the cap space that they hold.

The Chicago Bears should hold off on making a move for Cooper Kupp

Kupp’s cap hit of nearly $30 million this upcoming season will make it harder for the Rams to move his contract than they would like. It will also limit the potential suitors for the star in his trade market before free agency hits. Chicago would certainly take a talent like Kupp’s any day of the week, but his how much it will cost to pay him might outweigh what he brings to the table.

Whatever team acquires Kupp will want to restructure his contract, but either way he still will not come cheap on top of what it will cost just to acquire him. Chicago would likely be better off looking elsewhere on the market or through the draft when bringing in a new wide receiver to this offense.

With the organization need three new offensive linemen and edge rushing help, putting this much of their resources toward a new weapon might not be the best move to make.

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With Keenan Allen set to hit the open market this offseason, the Chicago Bears will be looking for a new receiver to join DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Caleb Williams had the luxury of having a plethora of options to throw the ball to in his rookie season, despite the situation not being the greatest.

Moore led the way amongst Bears receivers with 966 yards on 98 catches. Odunze’s rookie season was solid as well amid all of the turnover on the offensive staff. The former Washington Huskie made 54 grabs for 734 yards and found the endzone three times.

The production from this group is hopeful to change in 2025 after Ben Johnson was named the 19th head coach in franchise history last week. The former Detroit Lions’ offensive guru will be tasked with turning Chicago into a team that focuses on that side of the ball for the first time in a while. Johnson loves to coach and work with speedy players on the outside, so a certain veteran who might be available could be of interest to the Bears’ front office.

Tyreek Hill could be an option for the Chicago Bears

Hill made headlines at the end of the season for comments that he made about his future in Miami. The Dolphins had an up-and-down season that was impacted majorly by injuries. Hill wasn’t getting the looks he wanted, and might be leaving south Florida because of it.

The 30-year-old had 959 receiving yards in 2024 to pair with his 81 receptions and six touchdowns. It’s impressive that Hill nearly had 1,000 yards on the campaign with the time that Tua Tagovailoa missed. Hill had back-to-back seasons with more than 1,700 yards prior to 2024 and still has the potential to be a big play option in an explosive offense.

Hill still has one year remaining on the three year, $90 million deal he agreed to with Miami following a trade from Kansas City. That will be a tough sell for the Dolphins if they are looking to unload his contract elsewhere, but Hill’s resume speaks for itself and could be a huge point of emphasis for a team looking to take their offense to the next level.

Ben Johnson’s scheme would mesh well with Tyreek Hill

Hill explosive play style would fit Johnson’s style well in the new look Bears’ offense. Johnson had plenty of speed in Detroit between guys like Jameson Williams, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond. While Hill would be a significant upgrade compared to those three players, he still fits the mold of being the speedster on the outside that Johnson would thrive with.

With Hill comes a couple of negative things to keep an eye on. For starters, the contract he is on right now might not be something that the Chicago Bears front office would want to take on. The cap space that they have available to them this offseason is nice, but the Hill contract would take up nearly half of it. For a team that needs to add three offensive linemen and an edge rusher through free agency and the draft, that massive contract could certainly handcuff Chicago.

Hill’s issues in the locker room could be a massive red flag as well. For a franchise that is looking to build a strong culture and reestablish their identity, a guy who has had issues in the past like Hill could make things more difficult than they need to be.

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A big question for new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson lies in what the plan is for the offense moving forward. The former Lions offensive coordinator has inherited a solid core to work with, but it’s about the system in place that will benefit what Chicago has on its’ roster right now.

Caleb Williams has Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and DJ Moore to sling the rock to right now, and that doesn’t include any potential offseason additions that the front office might make.

Johnson delivered a message to Williams and the rest of the offense in his introductory press conference on Wednesday that it is going to take everyone to build this thing up the right way. Things will take time for everyone to grow and mesh together. The new man in charge acknowledged the fact that it will not be easy right away with how tough the NFC North is.

Ben Johnson will run a different offense for the Chicago Bears

Johnson made it known in his press conference that things will look much different in Chicago offensively than from his time in Detroit. Courtney Cronin reported that Johnson expects change based on who he has with the Bears compared to his squad with the Lions.

Ben Johnson on building the Bears offense: "It's not going to look like it did in Detroit. Notes how the personnel in Chicago looks "completely different" than it did in Detroit.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 22, 2025

What exactly will be changed is not known yet, as it’s too early to tell. However, Williams is a much different quarterback than Jared Goff, and the weapons in Chicago aren’t the same either. Johnson plans to enter his first season as a head coach with a completely new play book around his franchise quarterback. This is what is best for the team, as keeping a similar scheme for different personnel doesn’t always work. Johnson has acknowledged that and his plan to switch things up should only be to the organization’s benefit.

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Ben Johnson was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears at Halas Hall on Wednesday. The former Lions offensive guru received a standing ovation with his family at the team facility and set the tone for what the new standard of Bears football will look like.

The hiring of Johnson begins a new era in the Windy City. It is still unthinkable for fans that the front office went out and got the hottest coaching candidate available since Kyle Shanahan. There is still work that needs to be done to finish assembling Johnson’s staff, but having the right man in charge is exactly the start that Chicago needs. In his opening press conference on Wednesday, Johnson delivered a message to the most important player on the roster.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a message for Caleb Williams

Johnson looked directly at Williams during his press conference and addressed that it is more than just him that he needs to be locked in with on the offensive side of the ball.

“I’m excited to work with you but it’s going to take more than just you,” Johnson said to the young quarterback.

Williams and Rome Odunze are entering their second NFL seasons and the former Washington Huskie is an obvious candidate for who Johnson is looking to be in sync with from the jump. Odunze has the talent to be a number one option in the league, and it will be up to the offensive guru to tap into his potential.

Along with Odunze, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet should have big roles per usual in the passing game. Many believe that Moore has not been properly used in his entire career, but that could all change now. Kmet was a non-factor in 2024 regardless of who was calling plays. Similar to his counterparts, the Chicagoland native is too talented to not have the ball in his hands at any point in a game.

Johnson has a lot to work with on the offensive side of the ball and free agency is still two months away. It will be through that and the draft where the new head coach can assemble all of the assets necessary for his first season in Chicago.

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The Chicago Bears officially announced the hiring of Ben Johnson as the organization’s next head coach on Tuesday. This is the biggest hire in the history of the Bears and everyone around the team is buzzing with excitement on what the future looks like. Johnson was at Halas Hall on Tuesday to sign his contract and made quite the impact on the building in just his first day on the job.

Johnson’s ability to change the game of many key offensive playmakers should be on full display from the jump. In particular, the offensive guru will hope to tap into Caleb William’s full potential as he prepares for his second season in the NFL. The primary goal of this hire for the Bears front office was to do it in the best interest of the young quarterback, and it appears they have done just that.

The Chicago Bears crushed this hire for Caleb Williams

Williams had everything thrown at him in his first NFL season. The USC product had two different offensive play callers along with having his head coach being out of a job after Thanksgiving. Through it all, Williams put together as solid of a first year as he could given the circumstances.

The number one overall pick did a fantastic job at limiting turnovers to begin his career. Williams tossed just six interceptions on the year, four of which came in his first three games. His QBR wasn’t too stellar at a 46.7, but he found a way to be the only quarterback in franchise history to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season. To cap it all off, Williams threw for 20 touchdowns.

With his ceiling being as high as it is, Johnson instantly becomes the perfect coach to guide Williams in a tough NFC North division. What Johnson was able to do in Detroit was nothing short of incredible. He is a huge reason why the standard is so high for years to come and he will hope to use that energy toward retooling a Bears franchise that is desperate for a winner.

ESPN’s Ben Solak graded out this hire as a slam-dunk for the Bears and Williams, with no better option being on the table in this coaching cycle.

“Most importantly, Johnson is the sort of powerful offensive mind who can draw the best out of Williams — the future of Bears football if he hits. A coach like Johnson makes Williams hitting all the more likely. The Bears got their guy,” Solak writes.

Caleb Williams will be pushed by Ben Johnson to be better

A big point of emphasis for Williams when this coaching search began was for the Bears to find a coach that would challenge him at all times. The 23-year-old demands greatness and knows that he has the entire city of Chicago weighing on his shoulders.

Based on Johnson’s demeanor, he should absolutely have the ability to do whatever it takes to keep Williams learning at all times. If a guy of Williams’ caliber isn’t being tested every step of the way, things won’t change and he will get complacent with his game.

Johnson is being given Williams and his running mate, Rome Odunze as they each enter their second years in the league. If the offensive mind can find a way to have those two on the same page at all times, things could get very scary for the NFC. Not to mention that DJ Moore has a chance to be properly utilized for the first time in his entire career with Johnson at the helm.

Exciting times are ahead for Bears football as the Ben Johnson era gets underway. This will be yet another massive offseason which will hopefully lead to some important games being played down the stretch this upcoming season.

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The Ben Johnson era is officially here in Chicago. Despite the Chicago Bears interviewing nearly 20 different candidates for their head coaching vacancy, the organization landed on everyone’s favorite candidate all along. Johnson had the opportunity to make the leap to a head coaching role last offseason, but elected to return to Detroit. It appears that the Bears opening was the job he had his eyes on the entire time.

On Tuesday, the newest head coach of the Bears set foot in Halas Hall for the first time on Tuesday, signing his contract to make him the 19th head coach in franchise history. And as he arrived, he was greeted by cheers from Bears’ staff.

Johnson told Bears staffers “This is exactly where we wanted to be” as you can see in the clip below:

"This is exactly where we wanted to be." pic.twitter.com/mT56UoVGdl

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 21, 2025

Johnson agreed to a deal on Monday to become the next leader of the franchise after being the most coveted head coaching candidate across the league in quite some time. His offensive background will be beneficial for the development of Caleb Williams as he enters his second season in the NFL.

Ben Johnson still needs to assemble his staff for the Chicago Bears

With Johnson taking care of the offense, all of the focus shifts to the defensive side of the ball. Early rumors have former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen as the favorite to be the next defensive coordinator in Chicago. Allen runs a 4-3 defense and his style would mesh well with the current personnel on the Bears roster. Despite his lack of head coaching success in the NFL, Allen has still proven to be a good defensive mind in a building.

The Chicago Bears officially have their guy

The Bears went out and got the biggest name in a coaching cycle for the first time ever. It’s a new era in the Windy City and the hope of winning a Super Bowl officially lies in this offensive guru’s hands. With the Bears’ draft capital and open cap space, the front office has the opportunity to build a competitive roster for Johnson’s first season at the helm.

The big issues that will need to be addressed are on both sides of the line. Another pass rusher is a major need on the opposite side of Montez Sweat in order to generate any sort of pressure, which is something the Bears have lacked over the past two seasons.

The offensive line allowed Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times this past season. That too is something that needs to change and can be done through free agency along with the draft. Lastly, replacing veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen will be on the to-do list. Allen had a solid year in Chicago, but Johnson could look for some more speed alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

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Could the Chicago Bears trade DJ Moore? One ESPN insider seems to think it’s a possibility

A lot went wrong for the Chicago Bears during the 2024-25 season. After the debacle that was the Hail Mary in Washington, the wheels fell off the bus for the Bears as they lost 10 games in a row. Thankfully, the season ended in joy as Chicago went into Green Bay and knocked off the Packers, giving the fans some hope heading into the offseason.

One of the real positives for the team was DJ Moore, once again, as he’s proven to be the most talented player on this roster for the last 2 years. He caught 6 touchdowns in 2024, in what was more of a down year when compared to Moore’s standards.

ESPN NFL insider Ben Solak recently wrote a piece on his offseason predictions, and one included the Bears moving on from DJ Moore, particularly trading him to the New England Patriots.

“After trying (and failing) in the Tee Higgins market, the Patriots will put together a solid trade for a veteran receiver,” Solak wrote, “DK Metcalf and DJ Moore are the two names that make the most sense. The Patriots won’t mind sending away draft capital for immediate contributors, as they plan to trade out of the No. 4 overall pick anyway.”

Moore will turn 28 in April, and recently signed a 4-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears. It makes little sense to even mention this, but after the awful season that just transpired, anything is possible. Especially with this unpredictable front office.

Is DJ Moore an issue at all for this team that already has so many other issues? He’s too young to be moved for a couple mid-round picks, especially after signing him to an extension just this past spring. If you thought it would just happen automatically for him and Caleb Williams, you are sorely mistaken. The duo should make significant strides in year 2.

With teams like the Patriots, Raiders, and event the Pittsburgh Steelers in the market for a wide out: Moore would likely warrant a decent package. But nothing compared to his value as the number one playmaker for this offense that still needs work.

Will the Chicago Bears even entertain the idea of trading DJ Moore?

I think they won’t. It’s doubtful that Keenan Allen re-signs with the Bears, and Rome Odunze has not yet proven enough to warrant even discussing trading Moore. You’re doing a young quarterback like Caleb Williams a disservice by trading away his number one option, even if you do address it in the draft or free agency.

If they come out of the gates slow in 2025, then maybe you consider moving him before his age becomes a problem. The offense needs to be smoother and more operational in next season, and without DJ Moore that doesn’t happen.

However, at this point it makes no sense to suggest this from the Chicago Bears standpoint. That is unless the perfect offer arrises, which I don’t anticipate. I think it’s more of a possibility that he asks to be traded, before the Bears just do so for more draft capital.

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The Chicago Bears’ offseason began on a positive note as the team pulled a last-second upset over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday to snap multiple losing streaks to conclude the 2024 season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams capped off a stellar first season in the NFL with a game-winning offensive drive that provides him immense momentum heading into his 2025 season. William’s leading the Bears to victory over the Packers, wasn’t just important because of the team snapping the losing streak, but because the quarterback exercised multiple demons that have haunted Chicago’s franchise for decades.

Caleb Williams’ game-winning drive wiped away decades of Packers’ dominance over the Bears

When the Bears defeated the Packers 24-22 via a 51-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Cairo Santos, Chicago not only snapped an active ten game losing streak, but also an 11-game losing streak to Green Bay. the Bears’ last win over the packers came in December of 2018, and their last win at Lambeau Field came in Thanksgiving of 2015. The win was engineered by Williams who oversaw a six play 47 yard offensive, that was capped with an 18-yard pass to DJ Moore to put Chicago in field goal range.

Williams leading the drive that helped set up the Bears for Santos’ game-winning field goal was the first time that Chicago defeated Green Bay on the final-play of the game on offense since 1987 when kicker Kevin Butler kicked a game-winning field goal at Lambeau Field for a 26-24 win. It also marked only the third game-winning scoring drive in a final possession that the Bears had since 2015 too. Williams became the only rookie quarterback to have a game-winning offensive drive in the team’s final possession against a divisional opponent.

The victory engineered by Williams was so satisfying, given how the 2024 season had unfolded, and how the finale nearly ended up being another last-minute loss for the team. Despite doing everything right at the quarterback position throughout the day, it was the fumble by DJ Moore that nearly cost the Bears the game that they had led in since midway through the first quarter against an 11-win team. Without Caleb Wiliams’ heroics and had the bears lost, it would have marked the seventh time this year that the team would have lost a game on the final possession of the contest.

The win also demonstrates growth on Caleb Williams’ part as the Bears’ offense failed to score what would have been a game-tying field goal against the Seattle Seahawks one week prior. Williams, leading a successful must-have scoring drive in a hostile environment such as Lambeau Field, as a rookie is even more impressive when multiple veteran quarterbacks have failed to do the same. Jay Cutler, Kordell Stewart, and Erik Kramer are all examples of previous veteran signal-callers who failed to lead the Bears to victory on the road in Green Bay during the final possession of the game.

A win for Williams and the Bears is massive for the rookie quarterback and the adversity he has faced throughout the season. Caleb Williams has been highly criticized for his struggles paired with the fact that he has been sacked a league-leading 68 times. Despite other first-round quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft helping their team make the playoffs, Chicago’s rookie showed invaluable trait of being able to play in crucial moments of the game, as the team was a blocked field goal, a sack, and an inexcusable clock mismanagement from three consecutive wins over divisional opponents at the end of contests.

Caleb Williams’ late game heroics allowed him to separate himself from former Bears’ first-round quarterbacks

The game-winning drive is especially for Williams, given what has transpired with previous first-round quarterbacks that have recently played for the Bears, including Justin Fields and Mitchell Trubisky. Both Fields and Trubisky seemed to be snake bit when it came to executing game-winning drive at the end of contests that would have allowed Chicago to win. Caleb Williams was trending in the same way the previous two signal-callers had before his heroics against Green Bay on Sunday.

A reason why Williams is the starting quarterback right now for the Bears and Fields isn’t, is due to the latter’s inability to lead the Bears’ to victory in several games back in the 2022 season. The 2021 first-round selection had six games where the team was trailing by a touchdown or less on their final offensive possession and failed to score. Although games against the Vikings and Commanders involved situations where another played failed to execute, Fields could not lead the offense on game-winning scoring drives in three consecutive games against the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons.

Trubisky, like Caleb Williams, had more instances where he did in fact lead the Bears’ offense into scoring position, but something out of his control transpired where the team couldn’t steal the victory. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the former 2017 first-round signal-caller led Chicago’s offense on potential game-winning drives to set up a field goal only for them to be missed, including the infamous 2018 playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams being able to finish the season with that kind of win provides invaluable confidence and reassurance going forward that the team will win if he puts them in a position to do so.

A win to cap off a tedious rookie campaign is something that can be vital for Caleb Williams offseason motivation and his second season of 2025. For fans and the media it was a confirmation that although Williams didn’t play the best in 2024, he did enough to prove that the Bears’ a quarterback who has the potential to be an elite-level talent in the near future. It also potentially symbolizes the end to the signal-caller dominance Green Bay has had over Chicago in the last 32 years, as the rookie proved to be the difference in Sunday’s last second win.

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The Chicago Bears offensive line had a tough go at it in the 2024 season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in the campaign, a league high amongst all signal callers. Injuries and lack of production hindered the line’s ability to have any true success this past year, but some people within Halas Hall believe that they aren’t solely to blame for the offensive troubles in 2024.

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles believes that the offensive struggles goes beyond the line

Poles made it known that there is more to this team’s offensive woes than just what little the line provided in the 5-12 season.

“There wasn’t one reason,” Poles said. “It wasn’t always offensive line, it wasn’t always the quarterback, it wasn’t always the running back in protection. There’s a lot of factors in there to look into. All were involved, and that’s a place to look into as we move forward, because obviously you don’t want your quarterback hit that much.”

The young general manager brought up the fact that growth from Williams will be needed this offseason. The 23-year-old showed plenty of promise in his first NFL season despite not having much to work with around him.

“And some of those things do fall on Caleb,” Poles said. “In terms of getting us in a position to pick things up and also getting the ball out on time. And that’s part of being a young quarterback. You’re trying to figure out the coverages and you’re seeing a lot of different things, but you’re also trying to be right and that releases some of those sacks. So, there’s a lot of learning to be done in that situation.”

Williams has acknowledged the work the he needs to put in for this offseason, but that he is also excited for what is to come. He will have the opportunity to grow and learn in his first full offseason in the NFL with Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and others.

Whether the line was the primary issue or not, the Chicago Bears still need to address it ahead of 2025

With the future of Teven Jenkins up in the air this offseason, plenty of work will need to be put into the offensive line prior to training camp. It appears that Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright are the only two offensive lineman that are truly safe entering the spring.

Because of this, the draft and free agency will be huge opportunities to add to the struggling unit. The front office could look to the likes of Will Campbell or Kelvin Banks Jr. in the draft to upgrade at the tackle position. If they do go this route, either prospect could compete with Jones for the left tackle spot. The loser of this hypothetical position battle would most likely kick inside and play left guard.

As for the other two spots on the line, one of the two second round draft choices that the Bears hold could be addressed there. Tyler Booker of Alabama would be a dream for the Chicago Bears if he fell in the second round, and would solve a lot of issues on the interior.

The third opening on the line should be addressed in free agency. The Chicago Bears will have plenty of cap space to attack the market how they would like, so there should be no issues in getting the lineman up front of their choice.

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The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field, snapping their ten-game losing streak. This victory marks the first time the Chicago Bears have won in Green Bay since 2015 and in general, since the 2018 season when the team clinched the NFC North division crown at Solider Field.

Chicago Bears star wide receiver DJ Moore had a few simple words to say after the win

DJ Moore snagged in the big grab from Caleb Williams to set up the game-winning 51-yard field goal from Cairo Santos. The veteran weapon finished the game with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Immediately following the game, Moore was very blunt with his thoughts on whether it did anything for the team’s future in terms of the big picture.

“We beat the Packers, F*** ’em,” Moore said.

The pain behind the fact that the team hasn’t defeated Green Bay in over six years certainly weighs on the players every year even though they weren’t around way back then. The embarrassment that the fan base and franchise as a whole have taken from the Packers over the years has not been fun, and this win is a major breath of fresh air to close out the campaign.

The road now for the Chicago Bears runs through this offseason. The team officially clinched the tenth overall draft choice in the first round with today’s victory, which they can hopefully use to help out the offensive line. Along with the draft, the biggest head coaching hire in the history of the franchise awaits. Whether it’s Ben Johnson, Brian Flores, or any other primary candidate, the front office is hoping for a much different on-field product when the fall rolls around.

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