Why DJ Moore's Extension is Looking Like a Steal By the Day
On March 18th, 2022, the Carolina Panthers signed star receiver DJ Moore to a 3 year $61.9 million deal that ties him to the franchise through the 2025 season. At the time, he was set to be the third highest paid receiver on average ($20.6 million) behind only Davante Adams and Deandre Hopkins. Many casual fans attacked the move initially but if you pay closer attention, it is well-deserved.
Drafted #24 overall in 2018, Moore has clearly established himself as the #1 receiver in Carolina, being the only NFL WR with at least 1200 yards from scrimmage in each of the past three seasons (2019-21). His consistency at the next level has provided another security blanket for a Panthers' quarterback room that has lacked a stable presence since a healthy Cam in 2018; Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater, Taylor Heinicke, PJ Walker, and Sam Darnold is less than an inspiring group for a receiver entering contract negotiations.
Surprisingly, Moore made it a priority to stay in Carolina, saying, "At the end of the day, I was just happy to get it done." The 2022 offseason has seen 9 receivers sign massive contracts (see below), including the annual free agency overpay to the Jaguars' Christian Kirk (4 year $84 million).
Heading into his 5th season, DJ Moore currently ranks 8th highest in WR average and 16th in overall WR contract value. Carolina's offense could certainly be a scary matchup for opposing defenses if the offensive line and QB room step up (hopefully the coaching staff finds a gem in Matt Corral). 2022 could be the year of DJ Moore, one of the league's most underrated players at his position.
In fact, I might find myself ordering his jersey in Carolina blue sometime before this season. What about y'all? What jerseys are you buying or which ones do you already have? Leave your comments and concerns below.
Newton, David. “Carolina Panthers, DJ Moore Agree to New 4-Year Contract.” ESPN, ESPN
Internet Ventures, 18 Mar. 2022,
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33538536/carolina-panthers-dj-moore-
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“NFL Active Player Contracts.” Spotrac.com, https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/contracts/sort-value/wide-receiver/limit-100/.
Patra, Kevin. “Panthers Sign WR D.J. Moore to Three-Year Extension Worth $61.9m in New
Money.” NFL.com, NFL, 18 Mar. 2022, https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-sign-wr-d-
j-moore-to-three-year-extension-worth-61-9m-in-new-money.