In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, star wide receiver D.J. Moore has rejected a lucrative $94.6 million offer from the New York Jets and officially parted ways with the Chicago Bears, as confirmed by the team’s new general manager. Instead, Moore has inked a monumental 5-year, $125.6 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, following intense negotiations that lasted weeks.
This bombshell move reshapes the landscape of the AFC North and leaves the Bears scrambling to fill a massive void in their offense. Here’s the full breakdown of how this blockbuster deal went down.
1. The Jets’ Massive Offer: Why Moore Walked Away
The New York Jets, desperate to add elite receiving talent for Aaron Rodgers, made a strong push for Moore, offering a 4-year, $94.6 million contract ($23.65M per year) with $60 million guaranteed.
However, sources close to the situation reveal that Moore had reservations about the Jets’ long-term stability, particularly given Rodgers’ age (40) and the team’s recent struggles. Additionally, Moore reportedly preferred a more established contender, which led him to explore other options.
“The Jets put everything on the table, but D.J. wanted a situation where he could compete for a Super Bowl immediately,” an insider revealed.
2. Chicago’s Shocking Decision: Bears Confirm Moore’s Exit
Just hours after reports surfaced that Moore was considering the Jets’ offer, Chicago’s new GM (reportedly Eliot Wolf, formerly of the Patriots) confirmed that the team would not match Baltimore’s offer, effectively ending Moore’s tenure in Chicago.
This decision stunned Bears fans, as Moore was coming off a career-best season (96 catches, 1,300+ yards, 8 TDs) and was seen as a cornerstone of their offense. However, Chicago’s front office reportedly prioritized financial flexibility for future moves, including extensions for QB Caleb Williams and other key pieces.
“We appreciate everything D.J. did for this franchise, but we have to make tough decisions for the long-term vision,” the GM stated in a press release.
3. The Ravens’ Masterstroke: How Baltimore Landed Moore
The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off an AFC Championship appearance, aggressively pursued Moore to supercharge their passing attack for Lamar Jackson.
After weeks of negotiations, the Ravens outbid the Jets and Bears, offering a 5-year, $125.6 million deal ($25.1M per year) with $80 million fully guaranteed—making Moore one of the highest-paid WRs in NFL history.
Why Baltimore?
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Super Bowl Contender: Moore joins a loaded Ravens roster with MVP Lamar Jackson.
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Elite Offensive System: OC Todd Monken’s scheme maximizes WR production.
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Long-Term Stability: The Ravens’ culture and front office were major selling points.
“This is where I want to be. Competing for championships with Lamar and this organization was too good to pass up,” Moore said in a statement.
4. NFL Reactions: Analysts, Players, and Fans Weigh In
Analyst Takes:
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “This is a franchise-altering move. The Ravens are now the AFC favorites.”
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FOX’s Skip Bayless: “The Bears just made a colossal mistake. Moore was their best offensive weapon!”
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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: “The Jets will now pivot to other WR targets, possibly Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk.”
Player Reactions:
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Lamar Jackson (Ravens QB): “Let’s gooooo!! Welcome to Baltimore, D.J.!!” (via Twitter)
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Justin Fields (Bears QB, now with Steelers): “Chicago fans deserve better. D.J. was a beast.”
Fan Reactions:
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Bears fans: “We just lost our best player… what is this front office doing?!”
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Ravens fans: “Lamar + Zay Flowers + D.J. Moore = UNSTOPPABLE.”
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Jets fans: “We can’t catch a break… Rodgers is gonna lose it.”
5. What’s Next for the Bears, Jets, and Ravens?
Chicago Bears:
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Now in full rebuild mode, likely targeting a WR in the draft (Malik Nabers? Rome Odunze?).
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Could pursue a veteran like Mike Evans or Calvin Ridley in free agency.
New York Jets:
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Expected to aggressively pursue another top WR (Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk trade?).
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Pressure is on GM Joe Douglas to deliver for Rodgers.
Baltimore Ravens:
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Instant Super Bowl favorites alongside Kansas City.
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Offense now features: Lamar Jackson, D.J. Moore, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Derrick Henry.
Final Verdict: Who Won This Blockbuster Move?
✅ Ravens: Landed a true No. 1 WR to elevate their offense.
❌ Bears: Lost their best playmaker with no clear replacement.
❓ Jets: Missed out, but could still salvage their WR corps.
One thing is certain: D.J. Moore’s move to Baltimore changes the entire NFL landscape.
