Everybody felt the Chicago Bears were mostly done with any contract extensions for the time being. Jaylon Johnson was locked up. Montez Sweat got his last October. Only Teven Jenkins and Keenan Allen stood out as possibilities, and both offered few good reasons to get a deal done right now. Jenkins has injury concerns. Allen is 32 and likely asking for a lot. However, there were whispers that the organization did have one name they hoped to get locked up sooner than later. That was DJ Moore.
Now, after his stellar 2023 season, the two sides came to an agreement that will keep the star receiver in Chicago for years to come, according to Adam Schefter.
This is a terrific deal for both sides. Moore gets another $82 million in guaranteed money while the Bears keep him at just $27.5 million per year. He is still only the 7th-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. Within the next few years, this contract will look like a bargain. GM Ryan Poles deserves so much credit for all of this. He traded for Moore last year. Now he’s ensured Williams has him and Rome Odunze together for the next five years.
The wide receiver has been effusive in his praise of the #1 overall pick, calling his arm talent “amazing.” Getting a deal done this quickly suggests Moore sees which way the winds are blowing. He senses Williams has a chance to become a good quarterback in the NFL, and he doesn’t want to miss the opportunity. Remember, he played with multiple different starters in Carolina and only one year with Justin Fields. Getting the chance to build long-term chemistry with a talented passer is a primary goal.
Barring unforeseen injuries, DJ Moore is tied to the Bears through his 32nd birthday. They have him for the remainder of what should be his physical prime. Then right as his deal is expiring, Odunze will (hopefully) be coming up for one of his own. This is where having a quarterback on his rookie contract can be so beneficial. The Bears are able to lock in star players to big deals, maximizing their window to go after a Super Bowl. All they need is for Williams to be good.
