D.J. Moore Trade By Panthers Rated Among 5 Worst Losses Of 2023

The Carolina Panthers knew they had to make a bold move if they wanted to land a quarterback. Early in the off-season, it became clear that their best hope was the draft. With lots of uncertainty about the 2023 class, the only way they could be guaranteed to land the guy they wanted was to secure the #1 overall pick. Thankfully it was available via the Chicago Bears. However, they soon realized the price they'd have to pay would be heavy. Not only would it require multiple high draft choices, but also one of their best players in wide receiver D.J. Moore.

Reports out of Carolina indicated the team brass was gut-punched by the decision. They didn't want to trade Moore. Sadly, Bears GM Ryan Poles made it clear a quality player must be included in the deal to push it through. Receivers are somewhat easier to replace than pass rushers or defensive tackles. So Moore was the only option. Despite this being the case, it didn't change the fact that his loss was a rough one. NFL.com rated it the 5th-biggest roster loss of the entire 2023 off-season.

Brendan Walker explained.

"The Panthers sent a package of assets, including Moore, to the Bears for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which they used to secure quarterback Bryce Young as the new face of the franchise. Carolina did snag Adam Thielen in free agency to help replace Moore, but the 32-year-old Thielen has been more of a complementary player than a No. 1 pass-catching threat with the Vikings in recent years.

The Panthers also signed veteran DJ Chark and drafted Jonathan Mingo in Round 2, but Chark has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and Mingo is still an unknown quantity as a rookie. Moore might not have a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection on his résumé, but don’t let a lack of accolades overshadow his talent and value. Despite playing with a carousel of mediocre passers, he’s posted three 1,100-yard seasons in his five-year career. At 26 years old, he still has a bright future ahead of him."

D.J. Moore is already making his presence felt.

Several beat writers have mentioned how smooth and effective he looks in early practices. He gets open on almost every snap, giving Bears defensive backs all they can handle. His connection with Justin Fields is growing rapidly. If this guy could produce a 1,000-yard season with Kyle Allen or Sam Darnold at quarterback, it's hardly a stretch to think he can do better with Fields. Meanwhile, the Panthers have surrounded Bryce Young with lots of uncertainty. It could be a difficult first year for him.

Selfishly, it's hard not to hope this proves true. D.J. Moore playing well means the Bears made the right decision. Carolina struggling also helps their draft prospects in 2024. So having somebody say the trade will be a massive blow, at least in the short term, is a good thing. The bottom line is everybody wants to see him help Fields reach the next level. If that happens, he'll have free drinks waiting for him in every bar. Many receivers have sought to seize the mantle of best ever in Bears history. Moore is well-positioned to make his case.