The Panthers grabbed D.J. Moore with their 2018 first-round pick (24th Overall) from Maryland, with the hopes that he would become their big-play engine and that he would be their primary target for five seasons over a period of quarterback flux.

The “YAC Monster” combined a 4.42 40-yard dash with a sturdy, running-back-style build. Playing outside and in the slot, his standout skill on film was after the catch—he was adept at turning short hitches, slants, and screens into big gains by leveraging his contact balance, quickness, and vision in open field to break tackles.

Moore made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2018, racking up 788 receiving yards and 172 rushing yards to earn PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. He elevated his production in 2019, breaking out with 87 receptions for 1,175 yards and four touchdowns.

That kicked off a stretch of three straight 1,100-yard receiving campaigns. In 2020, Moore recorded a career-high 18.1 yards per reception, tallying 1,193 receiving yards and four scores. He followed that up in 2021 by hauling in a team-high 93 passes for 1,157 yards.

During his final year in Charlotte (2022), Moore recorded 63 catches for 888 yards while catching a team-leading and career-high 7 touchdown passes—which accounted for a third of his total receiving touchdowns as a Panther.

In March 2023, Moore was traded to the Chicago Bears as part of the deal that sent the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina. During his five seasons with the Panthers (2018–2022), Moore started 73 of 80 games, with 364 receptions, 5,201 yards, 335 rushing yards, and 21 touchdowns.