As the 2023 season went along and the Carolina Panthers inched closer toward the No. 1 pick, the biggest question in Chicago became what Justin Fields’ future would be. The Panthers are sending that selection to the Bears as part of the trade that also brought in D.J. Moore, who served as Fields’ top target this past year.
Moore voiced his support for Fields multiple times, most recently doing so ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine. However, the Bears made the move many thought they would, trading Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After the news broke, Moore reacted via social media.
“Business is Business,” he wrote.
Moore developed a strong connection with Fields in their first year together, hauling in 96 receptions for a career-high 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. In fact, he became just the 18th receiver in Bears history to top 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
As the questions swirled about what Chicago would do, Moore made his stance clear on what direction he thought the franchise should go at quarterback.
“I still don’t think they compare to Justin right now,” Moore said during an appearance on NFL Total Access in regards to the quarterbacks in the draft.
More also discussed his growing relationship with Fields, which seemed to get stronger as the season went along.
“The relationship jelled real well from the beginning,” Moore said of Fields. “Since I got traded, he was in contact, and we started throwing together, so it made the transition into games and everything easy.”
Now, DJ Moore will likely be getting ready to work with Caleb Williams – widely viewed as the No. 1 pick in the draft. As for Justin Fields, he’s heading to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick that could turn into a fourth-rounder depending on playing time.
He also penned a message to Bears fans after his time in Chicago came to an end.
“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me,” Fields wrote. “Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”
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