Bears' WR Dilemma: DJ Moore's Role Shrinking as Chemistry With Caleb Williams Remains Elusive
When the Bears swung that blockbuster deal with the Panthers to land Caleb Williams, DJ Moore wasn’t just a throw-in - he was supposed to be a cornerstone. A proven playmaker with WR1 upside, Moore came to Chicago with the expectation that he’d be the go-to guy in a revamped passing attack. But as we close in on the final stretch of the season, that vision feels more like a missed connection than a dynamic duo in the making.
Sunday’s loss to the Packers may have been the low point for Moore this season. With Rome Odunze sidelined, the door was wide open for Moore to take over.
Instead, he finished with just one catch - for minus four yards. And perhaps more telling than the stat line was the eye test: Caleb Williams simply wasn’t looking his way.
A Disconnect That’s Hard to Miss
Let’s be clear - this isn’t all on Williams. Yes, the rookie quarterback has had his moments of inaccuracy and has struggled at times to work through his progressions.
That’s not unusual for a first-year QB, especially one adjusting to the speed and complexity of an NFL offense. But the lack of chemistry between him and Moore is becoming too obvious to ignore.
What makes it even more glaring is how quickly Williams has developed rhythm with other targets - namely rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. Both joined the team after Moore, yet they’re already more in sync with the quarterback. That’s a red flag, especially when you consider Moore’s contract.
Big Contract, Small Impact
Moore is under contract through 2029, with nearly $100 million still owed. That’s elite WR money - and right now, the production just doesn’t match the paycheck.
He leads all Bears pass catchers in snaps (752), but he’s second in targets (66), receptions (39), and receiving yards (498). He’s third in touchdown catches with just three.
Those are solid numbers for a complementary piece - not for someone who was supposed to be the engine of the passing game.
Meanwhile, Burden and Loveland - both younger, cheaper, and newer to the system - are rapidly closing the gap in production. That’s not just a matter of talent; it’s about trust, timing, and fit. And right now, Moore doesn’t seem to have any of those with his quarterback.
What’s Next for Moore?
With Odunze emerging as the clear WR1 and the offense increasingly flowing through the tight ends and younger wideouts, the Bears have to ask some hard questions about Moore’s future. He’s only 28, and there’s still belief around the league that he can be a high-level contributor in the right situation. But if that situation isn’t in Chicago, the front office may need to explore their options - even if it means taking a financial hit to move on.
The Bears brought in Ben Johnson to unlock this offense and turn it into something dangerous. Moore was supposed to be a key piece of that puzzle - a versatile weapon in the mold of a Deebo Samuel-type. Instead, his production looks more like that of a mid-round rookie, not a $20 million-a-year receiver.
There’s still time for Moore and Williams to get on the same page, but the window is shrinking. And as the Bears push toward the future with a young core, they’ll need to decide whether Moore is part of that vision - or a valuable asset better used elsewhere.