In this series, we will look at which Chicago Bears players need to step up their play to match their pay in 2025.
Expectations are a tricky thing. One of the safest ways to fan over the years is to set the bar low and not expect much from your team. We Chicago Bears fans know this well.
I couldn’t help but think of one of the all-time great MADtv skits as I began this series.
However, with Ben Johnson now calling the shots in Chi-town and Caleb Williams under center, times are looking up for The Beloved. With over $64 million in cap space and 4 picks in the top 75 of this upcoming NFL Draft, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has plenty of resources at his disposal to improve the team moving forward. But what about the players currently under contract? In this series, we will highlight ten players who need to step up their play to justify their contract while simultaneously helping the team win more games.
Whose play needs to match their pay?
First up, we have Wide Receiver, DJ Moore.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Before you throw a pencil at the screen, let me be clear. I am a huge DJ Moore fan and love what he brings each and every week. I have the utmost confidence in him as a player and fully expect for him to have a career year with Ben Johnson calling plays. His place on this list is purely due to him having the 2nd highest cap number for the 2025 Bears at $24,855,00.
That is top 10 league wide for a WR (in 2025) and ahead of names like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Nico Collins, AJ Brown, Courtland Sutton, Chris Godwin, Deebo Samuel and the list goes on. Clearly some of these names, if not all, will sign an extension soon and surpass Moore, but the moral of the story is DJ Moore needs to produce like a bonafide top 10 WR in 2025.
98 catches for 966 yards and 6 TDs are simply not Top 10 WR numbers
Granted, the play calling and protection were abysmal, but I think it is safe to say DJ Moore needs to step up his play to match his pay in 2025. I also think it is safe to say he will surpass his 2024 numbers, but considering his high price tag, DJ kicks off our top 10.
What about you? Do you feel DJ Moore is paid too much? Too little? What sort of expectations would you place on him for the 2025 season?