D.J. Moore Speaks Publicly On Trade To Bears For First Time

Since trading the #1 pick happened a week before the off-season officially began, the Chicago Bears were unable to comment on it publicly. The same went for the lone player involved, wide receiver D.J. Moore. He dropped a couple of tweet reactions to the news but didn't offer anything in the form of statements. That finally changed on Wednesday. Once the clock struck 3:00 CST, the trade became official. The Bears dropped the announcements on social media, including an interview with Moore.

He sounded beyond excited at the prospect of linking up with Justin Fields and becoming a core part of the building efforts GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are leading. He explained the feeling to Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com.

"It's going to be real special. I'm glad to be a part of the groundwork that's being laid. And to just build that foundation of winning, it's going to be something special."

What stood out the most to Moore in the entire process was how much the Bears wanted him. Poles made it clear to Carolina that no deal was possible without the young receiver in it. After being surrounded by trade rumors last season, the 26-year-old is finally in a place he feels appreciated.

"It makes me feel special," said the veteran receiver. "When a team does that—they just want one specific player—that means a lot. It hit home that I'm really welcome here."

The Bears knew what they were getting in D.J. Moore.

Poles hinted throughout the early off-season that he wanted another dynamic receiving weapon for Fields. Somebody like Darnell Mooney but a bit bigger. Moore stood out almost right away. The GM could've had an additional future 1st round pick from Carolina in the deal, but he saw too much value in the receiver to pass up. If the Panthers wanted the trade done before free agency, Moore had to be involved. They resisted for a time. Eventually, as the deadline drew closer, they were forced to agree.

Now Fields enters 2023 with three young, athletic pass targets in Mooney, Chase Claypool, and D.J. Moore. That is a massive improvement over what they had at this point last year. Poles might even look to strengthen it further with a pick in the draft. This could fast become one of the deepest units on the entire roster. Moore has averaged over 1,000 yards for the past four seasons. He is quick, fast, and a wicked route-runner. He's also tougher than he looks, able to fight through contact to make tough catches. Chicago will love him.