DJ Moore’s current contract is a three-year, $82.5 million extension with the Chicago Bears, signed in July 2024, which keeps him under team control through the 2029 season. The deal includes $54.5 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL by average annual value.
Background: How Moore Got to Chicago
Moore entered the NFL as a first-round pick (24th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2018 draft. He spent five seasons in Carolina, posting four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving years from 2019 to 2022. In March 2023, the Panthers traded him to the Bears as part of a package that allowed Carolina to move up to the first overall pick in that year’s draft (which they used on quarterback Bryce Young). Chicago also received the 2023 first-round pick (which became offensive tackle Darnell Wright) and a 2025 second-round pick in that deal.
Moore immediately became the Bears’ top target. In his first season in Chicago (2023), he set career highs with 96 receptions and 1,364 receiving yards, despite playing with multiple quarterbacks. His production helped convince the Bears’ front office to invest in him long-term rather than let him test free agency after the 2024 season.
Contract Structure and Guarantees
The extension Moore signed in July 2024 replaced the final year of his rookie deal (which was set to pay him $16.7 million in 2024) and added two new years. The full contract is effectively a three-year, $82.5 million deal covering 2025–2027, with the 2024 season played under the old rookie contract terms.
- Signing bonus: $20 million, prorated over the life of the contract for salary cap purposes.
- Guaranteed money: $54.5 million total, which includes the signing bonus and fully guaranteed base salaries for 2025 and 2026.
- Average annual value (AAV): $27.5 million, which at the time ranked third among all NFL wide receivers, behind only Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson.
- Incentives: The deal includes per-game roster bonuses and workout bonuses, but no performance-based escalators that would change the base value.
Cap Hit and Team Flexibility
Moore’s cap numbers for each season are structured to give the Bears flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the projected cap hits (base salary + prorated bonus + roster bonuses):
- 2025: $18.5 million
- 2026: $24.5 million
- 2027: $27.5 million
- 2028: $28.5 million (void year)
- 2029: $28.5 million (void year)
The 2028 and 2029 seasons are void years—they exist only to spread out the signing bonus for cap accounting. After the 2027 season, Moore’s contract voids, and the Bears would incur a dead cap charge of $14.5 million if they don’t extend him again. However, the team can also restructure the deal or sign him to a new extension before then to lower that hit.
How His Contract Compares to Other Top Receivers
When Moore signed, his $27.5 million AAV placed him in the top tier of NFL wide receivers. For context:
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings): $35 million AAV (signed 2024)
- CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys): $34 million AAV (signed 2024)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions): $30 million AAV (signed 2024)
- A.J. Brown (Eagles): $32 million AAV (signed 2024)
- DJ Moore: $27.5 million AAV
Moore’s deal is slightly below the top of the market, but he’s still paid like a clear No. 1 receiver. His guaranteed money ($54.5 million) is also competitive, though less than the fully guaranteed deals signed by Jefferson and Lamb.
Common Questions About Moore’s Contract
One misconception is that Moore’s contract is a five-year deal. It’s actually a three-year extension that voids into two additional years for cap purposes. Another common question is whether the Bears can cut Moore before 2027. They can, but it would accelerate the remaining signing bonus proration, creating a large dead cap charge. For example, cutting him after the 2025 season would leave $14.5 million in dead money.
Fans also wonder how Moore’s contract affects Chicago’s ability to re-sign other players. The Bears have structured the deal with manageable early cap hits, giving them room to sign quarterback Caleb Williams (their 2024 first-round pick) to a massive extension after the 2026 season if he performs well. The team also has several other young players on rookie deals, which helps offset Moore’s salary.
Contract Template for a Player Extension
If you’re curious what a typical NFL player extension looks like, here’s a simplified template that mirrors the structure of Moore’s deal. This is for informational purposes only—not legal advice.
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Name | _________________________ |
| Team | _________________________ |
| Contract Length | ________ years |
| Total Value | $______________ |
| Signing Bonus | $______________ |
| Guaranteed at Signing | $______________ |
| Fully Guaranteed Base Salaries | Year 1: $______, Year 2: $______ |
| Per-Game Roster Bonus | $______ per game active |
| Workout Bonus | $______ per year |
| Void Years | Yes / No (if yes, how many: ____) |
Sample (fictional): Player: John Smith, Team: Anywhere FC, Length: 3 years, Total: $30M, Signing Bonus: $10M, Guaranteed: $20M, Void Years: 2.
Potential Restructuring and Trade Scenarios
Because Moore’s contract has guaranteed money only in the first two years, the Bears could trade him after the 2026 season with manageable dead cap. If they traded him in 2026, the remaining signing bonus proration (about $10 million) would accelerate, but they’d save his $24.5 million cap hit. That’s a realistic scenario if the team decides to rebuild or if Moore’s production declines.
Restructuring is also possible. The Bears could convert part of Moore’s 2025 base salary into a signing bonus, freeing up cap space for that year but increasing future cap hits. This is a common move for teams in “win-now” mode, but it would make Moore harder to cut or trade later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much guaranteed money did DJ Moore get?
Moore received $54.5 million in total guarantees, which includes his $20 million signing bonus and fully guaranteed base salaries for 2025 and 2026. The 2027 base salary is not guaranteed, so the Bears could release him after 2026 with no further obligation.
When does DJ Moore’s contract expire?
Moore’s contract runs through the 2027 season. After that, the deal voids, and he becomes a free agent in 2028. The 2028 and 2029 years on the books are void years for salary cap purposes only, not actual contract years.
What is DJ Moore’s cap hit in 2025?
Moore’s 2025 cap hit is $18.5 million, which includes his base salary, prorated signing bonus, and roster bonuses. That’s a relatively modest number for a top receiver, giving the Bears flexibility to add other players.
Can the Bears cut DJ Moore before his contract ends?
Yes, but it would cost them dead money. If they cut him after the 2025 season, they’d incur a $14.5 million dead cap charge. After the 2026 season, the dead cap drops to $10 million, but they’d also save his $24.5 million cap hit.
How does Moore’s contract affect the Bears’ salary cap?
Moore’s cap hits are structured to be manageable in the early years, which helps the team sign other players and eventually extend quarterback Caleb Williams. The void years allow the Bears to spread out his signing bonus, but they’ll need to deal with the dead cap after 2027 if they don’t re-sign him.