Bears to part ways with cornerback D.J. Moore
BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com March 4, 2013 10:42PM
D.J. Moore
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Updated: March 5, 2013 12:18PM
The Bears will move on without nickel back D.J. Moore as they reconfigure their roster under their new coaching staff.
Moore confirmed via text message Monday that he will become an unrestricted free agent March 12, meaning he is no longer part of the Bears’ plans. He’s free to sign with any team at 3 p.m. that day.
‘‘Thanks everyone, loved [and] enjoyed each [and] every fan,’’ Moore said later on Twitter. ‘‘Bear down for life.’’
Moore, who had two interceptions in 2012, fell out of favor with former coach Lovie Smith, eventually lost his spot to Kelvin Hayden and was inactive for two games last season.
A fourth-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2009, Moore had 10 interceptions and scored two touchdowns in four seasons with the Bears. His playmaking skills should garner some interest on the free-agent market.
The move with Moore might signal that more changes are on the horizon for the Bears. General manager Phil Emery said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he planned to speak with the agents of linebacker Brian Urlacher, defensive lineman Israel Idonije and offensive linemen Jonathan Scott and Lance Louis.
Emery also said he was excited about the chance to give his new coaching staff some new players.
‘‘I look at every team as being a new team,’’ Emery said. ‘‘I’m enthused about our opportunities between the UFA market and street free agents and the draft and college free agents to add talent to our team.’’
