DJ Moore’s body language became an unironic topic of conversation this offseason, and he and new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson formulated a plan to address it: Don’t do it, whatever “it” may be. That goes for the entire team. Still, Moore’s want-to was questioned on occasion during the 2024 season and remains a focus.
Moore was a key part of the Bears’ return for sending the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. He set a career-high with 98 receptions last season.
He still took a step back in general, and Johnson must get him and the offense back on track.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Urged to ‘Light Spark Under’ DJ Moore
Chemistry With Caleb Williams Bigger Issue for DJ Moore, Bears
“The arrival of new coach Ben Johnson suggests the offense will be put in much better positions to succeed, and indeed, it will hardly be a shock if the Bears go from one of the league’s worst schemes to one of its best,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote on July 8. “Johnson needs to light a spark under Moore, who appeared to grow numb amid his seventh consecutive losing season.
“Johnson excelled in finding ways to maximize the talents of his running backs and tight ends in Detroit, though, and that might be what makes the Bears.”
Moore has never been on a team that won more than seven games in a single season. Moore had 96 receptions for 1,368 yards and 8 touchdowns in his first season with the Bears in 2023. He had a 98-966-6 line in 2024.
Admitted chemistry issues with Caleb Williams contributed to Moore’s issues.
He was a staunch supporter of former Bears quarterback Justin Fields. The wideout noted the now-New York Jets QB had more experience than Williams upon his (Moore’s) arrival.
Bears Need Ben Johnson to Deliver and Vice Versa
Johnson’s task is clear, though very complex. It is not just Moore that Barnwell noted fell short, or needs Johnson to put them in a position to succeed. Second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze also bears some brunt of his rookie shortcomings, Barnwell noted.
Moreover, running back D’Andre Swift’s history with Johnson was also a focus for the analyst.
Players like Roschon Johnson and rookies Colston Loveland, Kyle Monangai, and Luther Burden III, who Barnwell projects will assume Allen’s role, will all play parts.
But Williams’ connection with Moore would seem to be paramount to the Bears’ success as much as anything else Johnson has planned for the offense. He signed a four-year, $110 million contract,
Notably, the Bears can trade Moore and save $20.9 million with $4 million in dead money.
The savings would increase to $24.5 million after June 1, 2026. It makes more sense to try getting Moore and Williams on the same page.
Barnwell noted similar optimism around the Bears’ skill positions heading into last season. That is where Johnson must be the difference-maker. And that is not just for Moore, Williams, and the offense, but for the entire Bears organization.