D.J. Moore’s rise to elite wide receiver status is now complete

Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore should now be considered an elite player at the position after an outstanding start to the 2021 season.

There were some high expectations for Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore heading into the 2021 season. After just four weeks, the player is achieving these and so much more.

This is a sensational player that’s always improving. Moore is putting up some significant numbers for the Panthers consistently, which has seen the wideout thrust into the national spotlight for the first time in his brief career.

No longer can Moore be classed as one of the league’s most underrated weapons in the passing game.

He should now be talked among the elite.

That’s a bold statement to many. But one has to look at the body of work Moore’s produced over the last three seasons.

It’s not like these lofty stats are a flash in the pan.

Moore went over 1,000 receiving yards in 2019 and 2020 despite inconsistent distribution from whoever was under center. Although this didn’t come with many touchdowns, the talent was undeniably there.

Now that Carolina has a better option in Sam Darnold, Moore is flourishing.

Through the first four games, the Maryland product has 30 receptions from 44 targets for 398 yards and three scores. This ranks fourth in the league behind only Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, and Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers.

This is all significant. But it’s what Moore is doing without the football in his hands that’s equally if not more eye-catching.

The player is becoming a force in the blocking game and is putting in some substantial effort that isn’t going unnoticed by his teammates or head coach Matt Rhule. This selfless attitude commands respect and Moore’s presence on the roster is pivotal if the organization wants to become a playoff contender moving forward.

"“I say all that; I don’t know if people, even on our own team, recognize how much of a pro he is. That’s why he’s having so much success.”"

Carolina Panthers need to pay D.J. Moore in the near future.

This is not only good news for the Panthers. But also for Moore’s representatives as they look to work out a long-term arrangement with Carolina at the earliest chance they get.

His fifth-year option was unsurprisingly picked up this offseason, but Moore’s dollars are only going to go up with every exceptional performance and the Panthers do have some cap space to give him a lucrative extension should they see fit.

Moore isn’t going to worry about that right now. He’s got enough on his plate with increased responsibilities thanks to Christian McCaffrey’s injury – something the player clearly takes extremely seriously.

"“We all know that 22 wasn’t out there. So, everybody had to step up. Just be really hard but take it to the next level.”"

Leading by example and making plays in critical moments. The sign of any truly elite wide receiver operating across the NFL.

If Moore can keep up his incredible start, there will be no debate at the end of the season.

But in truth, the 2018 first-round pick out of Maryland is already there.