How does DJ Moore's contract affect Chicago Bears' salary cap for 2023?

The desired first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has been traded by the Chicago Bears for a significant return, as was predicted. In exchange, they will get wide receiver DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers.

According to reports, the Bears will also get four selections apart from Moore. The 61st selection in the 2023 draft, a first-round selection in 2024 and a second-round selection in 2025 are among them.

The Bears were already hoping to add a WR1 to go with QB Justin Fields. Moore's arrival alongside Darnell Mooney is thought to unleash Justin Fields' passing abilities. Since his debut season, Moore has ranked as a WR2 across every fantasy season.

The transaction also shows the Panthers' desire to select one of Bryce Young of Alabama, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State, Anthony Richardson of Florida and Will Levis of Kentucky as their quarterback of choice.

Moore extended his deal with the Panthers last season. He signed a three-year, $62 million deal that would have run through the 2025 campaign.

That indicates that Moore still has three years remaining on his deal after the 2022 season. In addition, the extension will cost about $41.5 million, as guaranteed. According to reports, Moore would require the Bears to pay him an average of $17.4 million annually. Given his age and expertise, that seems like a decent bargain.

Before completing the trade to get Moore, the Bears had a cap space of $100 million, and it's now just over $75 million, according to reports. Although that sounds like a significant decrease, Chicago still have the largest salary cap room in the NFL. According to Spotrac, the Atlanta Falcons are in second place with around $64 million.

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What are DJ Moore’s stats in NFL?

DJ Moore's 2022 campaign was undoubtedly challenging. In the first half of the season, he had trade talks while catching passes from three different unimpressive quarterbacks.

All of that combined to give him his poorest statistical season since his debut campaign in 2018. DJ Moore hauled in 63 catches for 888 yards and seven scores. He was in the top 12 in receiving yards in the three seasons before 2022, despite poor quarterback play in those years too.

Moore has over 5,200 receiving yards and 21 TDs in his five seasons playing in the NFL. Given that he's in the prime of his career, it appears the Chicago Bears have got a fair deal.