Tag: PJ Walker

Bears WR DJ Moore speaks to importance of chemistry with Justin Fields

DJ Moore said he’s “forever going to be friends” with Justin Fields.

New Bears wide receiver DJ Moore was the talk of the offseason program given how quickly his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields developed.

Moore met with the media at Halas Hall on Tuesday, where he spoke to the importance of having chemistry with his quarterback — both on and off the field. And that understanding has helped develop Fields and Moore’s rapport.

“It’s never overrated to have chemistry with somebody,” Moore said. “Me and Justin, we’ve got chemistry on and off the field, so that’s a plus. Same with me and P.J. (Walker). It’s always a plus. It’s more than just football at the end of the day when you meet somebody. So forever going to be friends with Justin outside of here.”

Chicago acquired Moore in a trade package from the Panthers in exchange for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. It’s a move that could very well be franchise-altering considering Moore gives Fields a true No. 1 wide receiver to help take him to the next level.

Moore already has three 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his name in five years, and that’s been with subpar quarterback play. Now, Moore gets a chance to thrive with a rising star in Fields, where the two are sure to be the main attraction this summer and beyond.

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Bears 2023 training camp preview: Quarterbacks

Our Bears training camp preview kicks off at quarterback, where Justin Fields is entering a pivotal third season.

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

We’re unveiling our Bears 2023 training camp position previews, where we’re breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.

It starts at the most important position: Quarterback, where all eyes are on Justin Fields in a pivotal third season. Chicago spent the offseason building around Fields, including upgrading his supporting cast and offensive line.

Elsewhere, the Bears brought in a new backup for Fields in PJ Walker, who has a similar skillset to Fields and replaces backup Trevor Siemian, who was released this offseason.

Let’s take a look at the Bears’ quarterbacks heading into training camp:

One thing to love about each of the Bears’ free agent additions

From Tremaine Edmunds’ youth to Andrew Billings’ technique, here’s one thing to love about each of the Bears’ 2023 free agent signings.

The Chicago Bears have added 11 significant additions to their team in free agency this offseason. Chicago had the most cap space in the NFL to spend, and general manager Ryan Poles made good on that, using that money to start to fill holes with young talent.

Key additions in Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards will help fix the holes created at linebacker when the Bears traded away Roquan Smith last season.

Whether it’s a new starter or a depth player, these 11 additions all bring something exciting to the 2023 roster. Here’s one thing to love about each of the Bears’ free-agent additions.

2023 Bears free agency: Contract details for new players

Here’s a look at the basic contracts for the Bears’ new additions through the first wave of free agency.

The first couple of weeks of free agency are in the books, and the Chicago Bears have added a handful of new players to the roster.

While Bears general manager Ryan Poles invested a lot into the linebacker position, he also negotiated some bargain contracts for starters and depth pieces.

Still, the Bears are sitting in a great position with the salary cap. They still have around $38 million in available cap space — most in the league — to make additional moves in the later waves of free agency and for the upcoming rookie draft class.

Here’s a look at the basic contracts for the Bears’ new additions during the first wave of free agency:

Note: New details will be added as they become available.

Breaking down every Bears move through first wave of free agency

From signings to trades, here’s a look at every move the Bears made through the first wave of free agency.

The Chicago Bears have made a slew of moves through the first wave of free agency, including the addition of some impact starters and one blockbuster trade involving the No. 1 pick.

So far, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has addressed concerns at linebacker, defensive line, wide receiver and running back. And he’s far from done.

Poles has mentioned in the past that he’s a big proponent of the second and third waves of free agency, where he’ll be able to address depth concerns with more favorable contracts in the coming weeks.

With that in mind, here’s a look at every move the Bears have made through the first wave of free agency:

Bears release QB Trevor Siemian

One day after signing PJ Walker to back up Justin Fields, the Bears have released Trevor Siemian.

The Chicago Bears have released backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The move comes one day after the Bears signed quarterback PJ Walker to a two-year deal to compete as Justin Fields’ backup. Now, Walker is officially Fields’ backup heading into the 2023 season.

In releasing Siemian, the Bears saved $2 million in salary cap space.

Siemian, a former seventh round pick by the Broncos in 2015, signed a two-year deal with the Bears last offseason. He served as Fields’ backup, where he got his only start in place of an injured Fields against the Jets in Week 12. Siemian suffered an oblique injury during warmups, but he did play the entire game, completing 14-of-25 passes for 179 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The move doesn’t come as a surprise after Siemian’s injury and the Bears finding a perfect scheme fit in Walker to serve as Fields’ backup.

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Bears GM Ryan Poles sounds off on free agent signings

Bears GM Ryan Poles shares his thoughts on Chicago’s new signings, including Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.

The Chicago Bears have made their first signings official through the first wave of free agency, which included filling some starting jobs and adding some depth pieces.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has officially added six new faces to Chicago’s roster since the start of free agency, including linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, as well as guard Nate Davis, defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker, running back Travis Home, quarterback PJ Walker and defensive tackle Andrew Billings.

Here’s what Poles had to say about his first wave of free agent signings (note: Andrew Billings signing hasn’t been announced yet.)

What the Bears are getting in new QB PJ Walker

We spoke to Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire to give us a rundown on what we can expect from new Bears QB PJ Walker.

The Chicago Bears are signing former Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker to a two-year deal.

Moore, a former XFL quarterback, has spent the last four years with the Panthers. Walker’s biggest role came last season, where he completed 63-of-106 passes for 731 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in six games with five starts. Not only is he the perfect backup for starter Justin Fields, but he also has experience with Chicago’s new wideout DJ Moore.

We spoke to Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears’ new backup quarterback and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.

Bears to sign former Panthers QB PJ Walker

PJ Walker is joining his Hail Mary buddy DJ Moore over in Chicago, as the now former Panthers QB has agreed to a two-year deal with the Bears.

Well, it didn’t take PJ Walker long to take advantage of his unrestricted free agency.

As first reported by ESPN lead NFL insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday night, Walker will be signing with the Chicago Bears. The former Carolina Panthers quarterback, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, is out to the Windy City on a two-year deal that can be worth up to $5 million.

With the start of the new league year having commenced earlier in the day at 4 p.m. ET, the Panthers elected not to place a tender on Walker—who was a restricted free agent. And now, just six hours later, he’s found himself a fresh start behind Justin Fields in Chicago.

Walker spent the past three years in Carolina, signing over in 2020 following an eye-opening run in the XFL. He made his first NFL start in Week 11 that season, pacing the Panthers to a 20-0 win over the Detroit Lions.

This past season, the 28-year-old made five starts over six outings—recording 731 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

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Bears expected to sign QB PJ Walker

The Bears are signing former Panthers QB PJ Walker to serve as Justin Fields’ likely backup, according to Adam Schefter.

The Chicago Bears are expected to sign former Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It’s a two-year deal worth a maximum of $5 million with a $1 million signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson.

Walker is a great scheme fit for the Bears, where he’ll serve as the presumptive backup to starting quarterback Justin Fields. Trevor Siemian, who signed a two-year deal last offseason, is still on the roster. But this move is an indication that he could be on his way out in Chicago.

Walker got his start in the XFL in 2020, where he passed for 1,338 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions while leading the Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 record. He was ultimately signed by the Panthers, where he’s spent the last three seasons.

Walker’s biggest contributions came last season, where he made five starts. He completed 63-of-106 passes for 731 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in six games.

Not to mention, Walker is reunited with former Carolina teammate and new Bears wide receiver DJ Moore. The two had one of the most impressive plays of the year last season, where the Panthers mounted a comeback to force overtime against the Atlanta Falcons.

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