The Chicago Bears are heading into a pivotal season with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who is tasked with taking the offense to the next level. A big part of that growth will depend on Rome Odunze, who is quickly emerging as Williams’ go-to target.
Recent reports suggest Odunze has already established himself as the team’s top pass catcher — so much so that DJ Moore’s role in the offense is starting to come into question.
That’s surprising given Moore has been the Bears’ most reliable receiver since he arrived in Chicago, and it raises an important question: how will new head coach Ben Johnson balance a receiving corps that suddenly looks much deeper?
Greg Braggs Jr. of CHGO Sports admitted he’s still “trying to figure out how DJ Moore fits in this offense.” Johnson has been experimenting with Moore throughout training camp, even lining him up in the backfield and giving him hand-offs almost daily. The goal is to create touches and add versatility to his role, even if it looks different from what it has in years past.
Still, Moore is coming off a productive 2024 season, finishing with a career-high 98 catches for 966 yards and six touchdowns in 17 starts. With Odunze on the rise and rookie Luther Burden III entering the mix, his overall numbers could dip.
But Moore’s consistency and experience give him a stabilizing presence — something this offense will need as the younger receivers settle in.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Heading into his third year in Chicago, Moore should also benefit from Keenan Allen’s departure and the fresh approach under Johnson. The bigger question is how quickly Williams can rebound from his rocky rookie season and build chemistry with his new-look receiver group.
If that comes together, the Bears may finally have the offensive firepower they’ve been searching for — with Moore’s reliability playing a key role in complementing the team’s young stars.