Moore's Arrival Signals Shift for Buffalo's Pass Catchers
The Buffalo Bills have traded for veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore, a move that fundamentally alters the outlook for the team's existing pass-catching corps. Moore, who arrives via a trade with the Chicago Bears for draft picks, brings a skill set described as fitting Joe Brady’s offense, featuring the ability to win downfield, create separation on boundary and intermediate routes, and gain yards after the catch. This addition is seen as filling a void in Buffalo’s receiver room, a unit that previously lacked such playmaking dynamism.
Moore's track record indicates a consistent fantasy scoring ability, having averaged at least 16.1 PPR points per game in each of his seasons. Prior to last year, he consistently achieved at least 0.22 targets per route run over four consecutive seasons. He is projected to be a primary target for quarterback Josh Allen.
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Impact on Other Bills Receivers Unclear, Potential Downturn for Some
Moore's acquisition casts a shadow over the fantasy value of other Buffalo receivers. Khalil Shakir, for instance, is now anticipated to be the team's second-most targeted receiver and is considered a late-round draft pick worth considering.
Other players, such as Dalton Kincaid, face an uncertain future. Kincaid, despite a hyper-efficient previous season with 2.73 yards per route run, may see his opportunities limited. His role as an "in-line" player and involvement in the run game, combined with the team's propensity for running the ball, could cap his target volume. While Kincaid closed the prior season on a positive note, his fantasy value is now considered more of a "fringe TE1," with the potential for occasional top-five weekly finishes.
Moore's Previous Production and Offensive Fit
Moore, now entering his age-29 season, has a history of strong performances, including scoring 5 touchdowns in the final six games of the previous season. He generated 111 yards on six receptions when open by at least three yards of separation and added 94 yards on vertical routes. Last season, he recorded 682 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 50 receptions from 85 targets, finishing as a WR35. This performance followed a season where he had 652 yards and 2 touchdowns on 47 receptions from 60 targets, resulting in a WR48 finish.
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His time with offensive coordinator Joe Brady in Carolina saw him average a target depth of 11.7 yards, a notable increase from when he was not under Brady's guidance. During two years under Brady, Moore averaged 8.8 targets and 73.4 receiving yards per game, even with inconsistent quarterback play. His skillset is believed to complement Brady's offensive schemes well, with his ability to gain yards after the catch and separate being key attributes.
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Background of the Trade
The trade, announced on March 5th, involved the Chicago Bears sending Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Day 2 draft considerations. This move is seen by some as an upgrade to Buffalo's receiving corps, providing Josh Allen with a much-needed playmaker. Moore's previous tenure in Chicago saw a trend towards a more slot-heavy role when not working with Brady, potentially diminishing the value of his targets. A change of scenery is anticipated to benefit Moore, potentially reigniting his dynamic playmaking abilities.