Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears is brutally honest about DJ Moore’s 2025 role.

Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears is Brutally Honest About DJ Moore’s 2025 Role

As the Chicago Bears look to build on their promising future, one of the key figures in their offense is wide receiver DJ Moore. Acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a trade that sent the Bears’ 2023 first-round pick in return, Moore’s addition to the roster was seen as a major move to help develop young quarterback Justin Fields. While Moore’s presence was expected to elevate the Bears’ receiving corps, there are plenty of uncertainties surrounding how his role will evolve in 2025. Ben Johnson, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, recently offered a brutally honest assessment of Moore’s expected role, which sheds light on how the team plans to use him in the future.

Johnson’s frankness about Moore’s role in 2025 is a reflection of both the strategic direction the Bears are taking on offense and the broader need to evaluate their offensive weapons in a meaningful way. While the 2024 season and the rest of the league’s evolving dynamics will undoubtedly shape Moore’s future in Chicago, Johnson’s comments have made it clear that the coaching staff is under no illusions about how they view Moore’s capabilities and how they intend to optimize his skills in a challenging and competitive NFC North.

DJ Moore’s Arrival in Chicago

Before delving into the specifics of Ben Johnson’s assessment, it’s important to understand DJ Moore’s context with the Bears. In 2023, Moore arrived with high expectations. He had been a consistent and reliable receiver for the Carolina Panthers, posting impressive yardage totals year in and year out despite playing with multiple quarterbacks. His speed, route-running ability, and knack for making contested catches made him a top-tier weapon for Carolina and a prime acquisition for the Bears.

However, the 2023 season for Moore was something of a mixed bag. While his stats were solid—he posted over 1,100 receiving yards and caught several touchdown passes—there were moments when Moore’s contributions were overshadowed by the inconsistency of the Bears’ offense and quarterback play. Justin Fields, despite showing flashes of brilliance, still had plenty of growing to do, and the offensive line struggled to provide him with consistent protection.

Moore did his best to serve as a reliable outlet for Fields, but it became evident that the lack of a fully developed offensive system meant that Moore’s true potential wasn’t always realized. This context is important because Ben Johnson’s remarks about Moore’s role in 2025 come after the franchise has had time to assess the offense, Fields’ progression, and Moore’s place in the offense.

Ben Johnson’s “Brutally Honest” Remarks

Ben Johnson’s comments about DJ Moore’s role in 2025 sent shockwaves through the Bears’ fanbase and around the NFL. Johnson, known for his no-nonsense approach and clear communication, wasn’t sugarcoating anything. Instead, he laid out a vision for Moore that was both honest and thought-provoking.

In his statements, Johnson admitted that Moore’s role would not be as central as many fans had expected, especially considering Moore’s status as the Bears’ top wide receiver. He acknowledged that while Moore is undoubtedly a talented player, the Bears’ offensive scheme is evolving in such a way that the team may not be able to feature Moore as much as they would like—at least not in the traditional sense.

A Multi-Dimensional Offense

Johnson stressed that the Bears are transitioning to a more balanced and dynamic offense. In the past, the Bears relied heavily on the running game and struggled to establish a consistent passing attack. With Fields entering his fourth season, the coaching staff understands that the offense needs to be more diverse and unpredictable in order to keep defenses guessing. For Moore, this means that his role could be redefined to fit into a broader team concept rather than being the focal point of the passing game.

One of the key elements of Johnson’s offense is the use of multiple weapons to stretch the field. While Moore is a talented wide receiver who can dominate in single coverage, Johnson is determined not to lean too heavily on him. “We don’t want DJ to be a crutch,” Johnson said in his statement. “He’s a great player, but we have to spread the ball around and let other guys contribute.” This statement highlights a shift toward a more egalitarian offensive approach, where multiple players, including tight ends, running backs, and other wide receivers, will have opportunities to make plays.

The Bears’ offensive scheme will likely utilize Moore’s strengths—his deep speed and ability to make contested catches—within a broader game plan that seeks to open up passing lanes for others. Johnson pointed out that Fields needs to develop the ability to read defenses quickly and distribute the ball to the open man, which will reduce the need for one player to shoulder the load. While Moore will still be a primary target, Johnson’s comments suggest that the Bears won’t rely on him as heavily as they might have in previous years.

The Emergence of Other Playmakers

Another significant factor in Johnson’s analysis of Moore’s role is the emergence of other playmakers on the Bears’ roster. In 2025, Johnson expects several players to step up and contribute to the offense. The development of young talent like Darnell Mooney, the addition of a dynamic tight end (potentially through the draft or free agency), and the continued growth of running back Khalil Herbert all factor into the plan.

Johnson has been particularly bullish about Mooney, who has shown flashes of brilliance as a complementary receiver to Moore. Mooney’s ability to work the slot, stretch the field on deep routes, and create mismatches with defenders could make him an important piece in the offense. The presence of Mooney as a viable secondary target could reduce the burden on Moore and allow the offense to remain unpredictable and balanced.

In addition, the Bears are expected to add another pass-catching threat, either through the draft or free agency, to complement Moore and Mooney. This could be in the form of a tight end who can create mismatches over the middle or a speedster who can threaten the defense on short, quick throws. With more weapons at his disposal, Fields will be able to spread the ball around and prevent defenses from focusing exclusively on Moore.

Johnson’s assessment made it clear that the offense will be built on multiple threats rather than relying on one player. Moore’s role may shift from the primary focal point to one part of a diverse offense. “We’re not going to ask DJ to do everything,” Johnson stated bluntly. “We need him to be the player we know he can be, but we also need to make sure we’re getting contributions from everyone.”

The Role of DJ Moore in 2025: A More Balanced Approach

The most significant takeaway from Johnson’s comments is that DJ Moore’s role in 2025 will likely look different than what many expected when he first arrived in Chicago. While Moore is still a critical component of the offense, the Bears are moving toward a more balanced and multifaceted attack. This means that Moore will not be the sole focal point of the passing game, and his role will be defined by the needs of the team rather than being exclusively centered on his individual talents.

Johnson’s philosophy also speaks to a growing recognition that the offense needs to be adaptable. The NFL is an ever-evolving league, and teams that rely on one or two players too heavily risk becoming predictable. By spreading the ball around, Johnson can keep opposing defenses off-balance and create opportunities for other players to step up.

Moore’s ability to stretch the field vertically will still be a key asset for the Bears, especially on deep routes and in contested situations. However, Johnson has made it clear that Moore will not be expected to carry the offense alone. Instead, he will be part of a broader game plan where other players will have their chances to contribute.