Carolina Panthers: Is D.J. Moore set for superstardom in 2020?

Could D.J. Moore be set for superstardom with the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

Big things are expected from wide receiver D.J. Moore in 2020. The Carolina Panthers wide receiver is now the team’s undisputed No. 1 option after a tremendous 2019 campaign in difficult circumstances.

The former first-round pick out of Maryland has enjoyed a superb start to his NFL career. Despite less than stellar play from the quarterback spot last season, Moore still managed to secure 87 receptions, 1,175 receiving yards, four touchdowns, and a yards-per-catch average of 13.5. This resulted in an outstanding grade of 82.3 from Pro Football Focus.

This outstanding contribution caught the attention of Joe Marino from The Draft Network, who claims that the Carolina Panthers wideout is on the verge of superstardom ahead of the new season.

It’s hard to argue otherwise regarding Moore’s potential. He has quickly evolved into an elite route-runner who is capable of impacting the passing game deep or on intermediate play calls.

"“While Matt Rhule pieces together a roster full of players that fit his vision for advancing the team forward, one holdover that should be viewed as a key building block for the offense is wide receiver D.J. Moore. Moore has found uncommon production at this stage of his career and is primed to take another step forward in 2020. Moore, a budding superstar, was ninth in the NFL receiving yards last season. He very well could find himself in the top five in 2020.”"

What makes Moore’s production even more impressive is the lack of a consistent quarterback last season. Cam Newton was a non-factor due to injury and was subsequently released. Kyle Allen started well before tailing off dramatically, which resulted in him being traded to the Washington Redskins. And Will Grier’s brief time under center was an experiment that did not pay off.

Can Moore become a superstar for the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

All signs point to D.J. Moore taking another leap forward next season. The Carolina Panthers brought in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. And it would be a huge surprise if he did not provide the passing game with more consistent production in 2020.

The wide receiver will also benefit from the presence of Robby Anderson on the other side of the field. The former New York Jet signed a two-year, $20 million deal to join the franchise this offseason. And he is another that will warrant significant attention from opposing defenses.

If Moore can propel himself to superstar level during the next campaign. It is going to potentially come with a substantial financial reward.

The player is heading into the penultimate year of his rookie deal and will make $1.49 million in base salary. He will also count $6.3 million against the Panthers’ salary cap and another standout level of performances could see the organization commit big money to him long-term.

This is something they have already done this offseason with their All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. But the onus will be on Moore to ensure he leaves Carolina’s decision-makers with no other alternative other than to give him top dollar going forward.

Everything is in place for the player to take another monumental leap forward. And the Panthers will be counting on him to provide the explosiveness and reliability that gives them the best possible chance of putting points on the board.