LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears receiver DJ Moore's season in 2025 was marked by ups and downs.
Moore had a career-low 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns, but several of those were significant, highlight-reel plays as part of the Bears’ breakthrough season. Unfortunately for Moore, the lasting image of his season came Sunday in the Bears' 20-17 overtime loss to the Rams in the divisional round. With the game tied in overtime, quarterback Caleb Williams had what he called a “miscommunication” with Moore that led to an interception for the Rams, who then drove the other way for the game-winning field goal after the Bears were nearing field-goal range for the opportunity to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Moore's role, route and effort on the play loomed over the Bears' season-ending loss. Critics contended he was at fault for slowing down on his route as Williams threw the ball ahead of where Moore was. Other believed Moore should have cut his route at a sharper angle to stay away from Rams safety Kam Curl, who made the pivotal interception. In the aftermath of the loss, the Bears offered few specifics beyond calling it a "miscommunication," and Moore hasn't spoke to the media.
At a season-ending press conference Wednesday morning, Bears general manager Ryan Poles shared praise for Moore despite his production dip in 2025.
“I'll use his words — he didn't care about stats,” Poles said of Moore. “All he cared about was winning. That’s the most winning DJ has ever had since his high school. That's all he cares about.
“We got a lot of decisions to make and figuring that out. I think what stood out about DJ this year is the level of toughness rubbed off on our team. Guys if they were dinged up, like they almost had to go because DJ was going. He was able to fight through a lot. Got a lot of respect for him."
While Moore hasn't spoken with the media, he conducted an exit interview with head coach Ben Johnson before departing for the offseason.
The Bears may have a decision to make regarding Moore’s future with the team. He could be released this offseason to save either $16.5 million as a pre-June 1 cut or $24.5 million as a post-June 1 cut.
Though Moore's production lacked, Johnson stood by his work.
“He's a player that I felt really helped us get to the point to where we were this year,” Johnson said. “We had an opportunity there, a couple games away from the Super Bowl, so I thought he was a huge contributor to getting us there.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.