DJ Moore's career night highlights exactly what the Panthers don't have; a No. 1 receiver
Buyer's remorse is real. And on Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers no doubt felt it ten-fold. The Chicago Bears took on the Washington Commanders. Outshining everyone on the field was former Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore, who put up 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-20 win over the Washington Commanders. On a career night, […]
Buyer's remorse is real.
And on Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers no doubt felt it ten-fold. The Chicago Bears took on the Washington Commanders. Outshining everyone on the field was former Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore, who put up 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-20 win over the Washington Commanders.
On a career night, the reality of what the Panthers gave up came into line sight.
Near the 2023 NFL Draft, the Panthers traded Moore to the Bears for the No. 1 overall pick. With that pick, Carolina selected Bryce Young, supposedly the quarterback that would lift the team out of the seemingly never-ending quarterback carousel.
However, since making the deal with the Bears and drafting Young, the Panthers have been on the market for a No. 1 receiver. Essentially, Carolina is looking to replace what Moore did for the team for several seasons.
The only problem is finding a trade that nets a legitimate No. 1 receiver without giving up a large share in return isn't easy.
And on Thursday night football, Moore reminded the Panthers that if Young doesn't pan out to be the franchise quarterback, the team will be walking away as losers of yet another trade, like the Christian McCaffrey deal from 2022.
What could prevent the Panthers from looking like an inept franchise would be Young playing well. But the rookie quarterback hasn't even done that yet.
Meanwhile, the former franchise receiver is having his way in Chicago with back-to-back 100-plus yard games with Justin Fields as his quarterback (no shade to Fields).
Imagine a world where the Panthers kept Moore, tanked for one more season, and selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams instead of Young. That could have been a reality.
So, I guess, in some ways, Moore is still haunting the Panthers even when he isn't playing them or on the team anymore.
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