By now, most Chicago Bears fans have heard the news. D.J. Moore has a new contract. It's a 4-year extension tying him to the Bears through 2029, and the deal was great for both sides.
In his press conference the day after signing, Moore was asked about his contract compared to his peers and some of the bigger contracts being handed out recently:
"How closely have you been following receivers around the league and what's been happening all spring and summer?" he was asked.
"I mean, you gotta follow it. They're all breaking new heights, going to $35 (million per year)," Moore said. "I don't know, I wasn't really in that mindset to go to the 'top top,' so I was just like, alright, what's a good number? And let's go from there."
"I wasn't really in that mindset to go to the 'top top'"
Moore was coming off a career season, with an organization that has decent financial flexibility in the coming years and is the best weapon on the offense, as a whole, featuring a rookie quarterback. He had every reason to ask for "top top" money.
But he didn't.
That's the type of player, person and leader he is. And, in just a couple of years, Moore's contract is going to look like even more of a steal once other young wideouts get their extensions (Brandon Aiyuk, Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, etc.).
Moore is a team player, and he knows how special this team can be behind QB1.
The reasoning behind D.J. Moore's new contract will give Bears fans all the more reason to love him
Also in his presser, Moore admitted that he felt he outplayed his previous contract -- and he's justified in feeling that way. He's right.
But, it wasn't just the fact that he felt he outplayed his previous contract. It was about the team.
It was about Caleb.
"I think Caleb's gonna be excellent. He's gonna be a superstar. So I just wanted to be part of that," Moore said.
On one hand, we have yet to see Williams take a professional snap. He hasn't played a down in the NFL.
On the other hand, when the entire organization is so fired up over a quarterback, one who was drafted first overall, and one who is viewed as the best prospect in over a decade ... you tend to believe them.
This isn't just coach-speak. It isn't Ryan Poles talking up his prized draft pick. Everyone in the building believes in Caleb. It is widely-expected that he will be a star, and that's not just speaking of everyone in Chicago. This is a national opinion.
Williams is going to be a star, and Moore knows it. He wants to be around long enough to see it and be part of it for many years to come.
Again, he is a team guy. Moore is the epitome of a leader and deserves every penny from this new contract. Quite frankly, he deserves more. But, he didn't feel the need to be selfish.
That's the type of star you want in your locker room.