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D.J. Moore takes unnecessary shot at Panthers after Week 17 result

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Kayanja | Last updated Jan 1, 2024 8:11 PM ET

After getting shut out Sunday by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Carolina Panthers assured their draft pick would be No. 1 come the 2024 NFL Draft.

The only problem is that the coveted No. 1 selection is headed to the Chicago Bears. It was thrown in the 2023 trade that sent D.J. Moore and two first-round picks to Chicago in return for the pick that became Bryce Young.

It isn't a deal that aged well, as the Panthers sit at 2-14 heading into the last week of the season. After the Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 37-17, Moore was asked about the Bears claiming the first pick by way of Chicago. And though he said there were no hard feelings, the star wide receiver didn't mince any words.

“I mean, s---, I feel like I was the number one pick when they traded for me," Moore said. "But, I mean, thanks to Carolina. That’s all I can say about that.

"It's no bad blood to them. Like I said, I felt like the number one overall pick even though I went 24th in the draft, but shoot, to come here, I just felt like the number one overall pick. It's a good fortune. I mean, we got more wins than them. So, at the end of the day, it worked better in my favor."

Image via Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

When the Panthers first traded Moore, it was a move that forced questions, but the process made some sense.

Carolina failed to secure a viable replacement for Moore, who has enjoyed a good year in Chicago.

Instead, the Panthers walked into the 2023 NFL season with Adam Thielen as the top target for a rookie quarterback who -- based on his size -- was bound to struggle.

That didn't change in the Panthers' embarrassing 26-0 loss to the Jaguars. Young returned to earth after his career day against the Packers in Week 16. The Jaguars defense limited the rookie to 112 yards passing, one interception, no touchdowns, and 19 completions on 32 attempts.

Feature image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

With Carolina the worst team in the league, the Panthers are looking at another offseason of changes -- starting with the head coach.

David Tepper fired offensive-minded head coach Frank Reich at the midpoint of the season.

Chris Tabor has stepped in as the interim head coach. The Panthers are expected to take a look at several candidates, including the team's defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero.

Carolina will also take a swing at Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who turned the job down during the Panthers' 2023 coaching search. Tepper appears to believe a second time is the charm.

However, with the expected changes, Moore still has the last laugh.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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