Offseason outlook: Bears will seek another dynamic wide receiver

(670 The Score) Last March, as the Bears negotiated the blockbuster trade that would send the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers, general manager Ryan Poles set clear demands.

Poles would not move forward with a trade unless it included a proven player the caliber of DJ Moore coming back to the Bears in return. It was a critical decision as Moore emerged as a dynamic No. 1 wide receiver during his first season in Chicago.

With Moore established into the offense, the Bears can now hope to form a talented tandem at wide receiver this offseason. There will be opportunities to improve the wide receiver position – including perhaps in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .

Who’s under contract: DJ Moore, 26; Velus Jones Jr., 26; Tyler Scott, 22; Nsimba Webster, 28
Free agents: Darnell Mooney, 26; Equanimeous St. Brown, 27; Trent Taylor, 29; Collin Johnson, 27

2023 review

The addition of Moore was supposed to be two-fold for the Bears, who hoped he would not only perform individually but also open up the entire passing game.

Moore was everything the Bears hoped in his first season with the team, hauling in 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. He helped quarterback Justin Fields make key strides as a passer during his third season, but not everyone benefited from this arrival.

The Bears saw Darnell Mooney, previously their top wide receiver, fall out of favor with the addition of Moore. The disconnect was difficult to explain, as Mooney caught just 31 passes for 414 yards and one touchdown over 15 contests.

Mooney had more than two catches in just four games last season. A 1,000-yard receiver two years ago, Mooney wasn’t the same player last season.

“Mooney wishes he played a little bit better this year and things went better for him, made some more connections,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said. “But I know he’s going to bounce back and have a really good year.”

The Bears received contributions from rookie Tyler Scott, a fourth-round pick last year, while Equanimeous St. Brown, Velus Jones Jr. and Collin Johnson each played a role. But it was clear this offense still needs better at wide receiver.

The Bears also endured the Chase Claypool saga, the most glaring disappointment of Poles’ two-year tenure as general manager. Acquired for a second-round pick, Claypool had just 18 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown in 10 games with the Bears. He was pushed out the door in early October after calling out the coaching staff, dealt to the Dolphins in trade that included a swap of late-round picks.

Claypool had just four catches with the Bears last season and matched that number with four receptions in a Dolphins uniform. He was a healthy scratch for two games and didn’t play on offense for two more contests.

What comes next?

Regardless of who’s leading the Bears at quarterback next season, they need to make another aggressive move at wide receiver and form a top tandem. Beyond that, stronger depth is needed for this position.

The Bears can begin exploring through free agency, which is set to feature some familiar names available. Five-time Pro Bowl target Mike Evans is set to be a free agent ahead of his age-31 season and his production remains at a top level. Calvin Ridley is also tabbed for the open market after surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career.

The Bears need a steady veteran for the depth chart and should also look to Gabe Davis, who has been a productive player over four seasons with the Bills.

Tee Higgins (Bengals) and Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts) would each become coveted free agents, though both seem likely to land the franchise tag from their respective teams.

The Bears seem more likely to select a wide receiver in the draft. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) is considered the top wide receiver in this class and perhaps a generational prospect. Though the Bears own the No. 1 overall pick, a scenario of landing Harrison would likely only come to fruition if Fields returns as the starter – and Caleb Williams (USC) is passed up.

Malik Nabers (LSU), Rome Odunze (Washington), Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU) and Troy Franklin Jr. (Oregon) round out a talented group of wide receivers that could go in the first round. The Bears also own the No. 9 overall pick, which would represent the opportunity to select a top target.

If the Bears have their way, they’ll emerge from this offseason with another dynamic target to line up alongside Moore.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .