DJ Moore Trade Buzz Just Got Real: ESPN Report Validates Long-Building Bears Rumor
The Chicago Bears have some tough roster decisions to make in the next few months before the new league year begins in March. At the top of the list is DJ Moore. The wide receiver is coming off an uneven year. His production took another dip compared to the previous two seasons, despite having some of the most memorable catches in recent franchise history to beat the Green Bay Packers. Some wonder if that is enough to overlook his declining impact and growing salary cap hit. Moore will count $28.5 million on the books next season.
This has led to speculation that the Bears might consider trading him at some point this spring. It would free up over $16 million in cap space, likely secure them an extra draft pick, and allow head coach Ben Johnson to get younger players like Luther Burden and Colston Loveland more targets in the passing game. GM Ryan Poles was careful with his comments this week, indicating Moore had been battling some injury problems and praising his toughness. Bill Barnwell of ESPN was less evasive.
He thinks the odds are high that Moore is traded.
There are unquestionably strengths to Moore’s game, including his willingness to go over the middle of the field and his ability with the ball in his hands. He has also developed a reputation for, depending on who you ask, freelancing or not always having his head in games. He looked to be sleepwalking through a lost 2024 season at times, and it certainly seems as if the 2018 first-round pick didn’t run the right route or make the right adjustment on the interception Caleb Williams threw in overtime during the divisional round loss to the Rams. It seemed telling that he wasn’t in the locker room after the game or during the locker cleanout Monday…
…Moore is still a starting-caliber wideout, and there should be interest if the Bears do listen to offers. A middle-round pick would be a realistic return, but the real benefit might be freeing up $24.5 million in 2026 cash, which would allow Johnson and Poles to realign the offense in the coach’s preferred vision.
The Bears should have plenty of interested parties for DJ Moore.
It’s always about supply and demand. Teams like bringing in proven veteran receivers when the compensation isn’t likely to be much. A 4th round pick is a small price tag for somebody with Moore’s track record, especially since he’s still under 30. The trick is finding a team that can handle his larger contract. Looking at the NFL landscape, teams like Tennessee, Las Vegas, New York, and Washington all have the necessary cap space and a need for help at wide receiver. It all depends on which of them feels Moore would be the most help.
You could also look at contenders like Philadelphia and Buffalo. Both have done extensive business with the Bears over the past few years. The Bills have a glaring need at wide receiver. The Eagles may soon have one if they end up trading A.J. Brown as expected. Trading DJ Moore shouldn’t be a huge challenge for the Bears. It’s all about whether they actually want to. We should get details on that once the Super Bowl concludes in the next few weeks.