4 big hits for Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers got ahead of the market with D.J. Moore
After another impressive campaign from D.J. Moore in 2021, the Carolina Panthers made the right call by getting the wide receiver’s long-term future sorted out way ahead of time. The former first-round pick is an integral part of the team’s plans moving forward and his three-year deal ensures the organization has their best pass-catcher around for his prime.
This was always inevitable. Moore has gone over 1,000 receiving yards for three straight seasons despite the lack of consistency at the quarterback spot, but the Panthers deserve credit for getting ahead of the market to secure his services until 2026.
Moore’s $66.88 million extension came with a $19.5 million signing bonus and $41.61 million guaranteed. Considering what other wide receivers have been paid since this deal was confirmed, it represents a tremendous bit of business by Scott Fitterer and the Panthers.
The likes of Terry McLaurin and D.K. Metcalf are the latest to be paid handsomely by their respective teams. Although Moore is still getting an annual average of around $20.62 million, it could have been a lot more had the Panthers waited until the 2022 season came to a conclusion.
One notable takeaway from the team’s training camp so far is the blossoming chemistry between Moore and new quarterback Baker Mayfield. If the Oklahoma product provides better consistency under center, then it could see the wideout enter the elite category for the first time.