What the DJ Moore contract extension means for Keenan Allen

The Chicago Bears will now get to keep star wide receiver D.J. Moore for an additional four seasons, as the two sides came together on a 4-year, $110 million extension on Tuesday night.

Moore was coming off a career year which saw him total 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight scores. He added a ninth touchdown, on the ground, as well. Overall, the former three numbers all equated to career highs for Moore.

Amidst a wide receiver market that is rising exponentially, and during a period of time where other elite wideouts have yet to get deals they've been asking for, Moore simply went about his business -- and got paid.

Caleb Williams now has several years with Moore lined up, and a likely extension with Rome Odunze down the line, if all goes according to plan.

But, what about Keenan Allen? Does this Moore contract mean the Bears are automatically out on extending Allen?

Chicago traded a fourth-round pick for Allen, who came in with just one year left on his current contract. Surely, the Bears wouldn't be able to extend Allen, now, would they?

A contract extension for Keenan Allen makes sense, but with certain caveats

Before the Moore extension, the Bears were set to have roughly $47 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. Now, that's before they make any additional cuts, restructures or extensions.

But, if Allen were to get an extension with Chicago, beyond 2024, Poles would have to structure it in a way that it hits the cap more so in 2026. In 2026, the Bears were set to have over $140 million in cap space (again, before the Moore deal).

Let's take into consideration that Chicago is likely going to need to spend some serious cash on the offensive and defensive lines in 2025 and 2026. Then, in 2027, Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze will be looking at new deals.

So, the Bears' ideal window to win is between now and the 2026 season. It's a 3-year window. In understanding that window, an Allen extension would make sense, but only a 2-year deal at most. By the time the Bears need to pay up for Williams and Odunze, they won't be able to afford a third wide receiver at over $25 million per season (it'll be far more by then).

In the end, what does the Moore extension mean for Allen? Some might have jumped the gun and thought there is no way Allen gets an extension, now. But, it is very feasible to see a 2-year deal get done that would tie him to the Bears through the 2026 season.

Now, when would the deal happen? That's the question. And, it's on Poles to answer.