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DJ Moore on Justin Fields Trade to Steelers from Bears: 'Business Is Business'

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMarch 16, 2024

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 07: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears looks to throw a pass in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 07, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore offered his take on his team trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

DJ Moore @idjmoore

Business is Business

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network broke the bombshell news on Saturday, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting the compensation:

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter

Bears are trading Justin Fields for a 2025 6th-round pick that goes to a 4th-round pick based on playtime, per sources. <a href="https://t.co/E7JY7K60Wn">pic.twitter.com/E7JY7K60Wn</a>

Moore repeatedly made it known to reporters that he wanted Fields to return despite the Bears holding the No. 1 overall draft pick and being in prime position to take a blue-chip signal-caller, most certainly USC's Caleb Williams.

However, all the offseason smoke pointed to the Bears moving on after three seasons, and now Fields is a Steeler, where he will back up Russell Wilson during the 2024 campaign, per Schefter and ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

It's understandable why Moore would want Fields back. Simply put, the two enjoyed a great rapport.

In the 13 games that Fields started last year, Moore caught 76 passes for 1,153 yards and eight touchdowns. That included an explosive 8/230/3 outing against the Washington Commanders.

In the four games that Fields sat with a dislocated right thumb, Moore caught just 20 passes for 211 yards and no scores.

After years of erratic quarterback play when he was with the Carolina Panthers, it's easy to see why Moore would want some stability with Fields. It also helps that he's morphed into a bona fide superstar as well.

Alas, "business is business," as Moore said, and the Bears have moved on. They'll reset the rookie clock with Williams (presumably) and enjoy much greater financial flexibility for four years, while Fields could be in line for a big day soon with his rookie deal running out in 2024 (unless the Steelers pick up his $25 million fifth-year option for 2025).