Report: Chicago Bears DJ Moore ‘Viewed As Available’ This Offseason
Just a few years ago, DJ Moore was the crown jewel of the trade that landed the Chicago Bears the No. 1 pick. Now, his name is swirling in NFL trade rumors that seem to gain momentum by the day. According to recent reports, teams are calling General Manager Ryan Poles to gauge the availability of the veteran wide receiver, and the Bears are reportedly listening.
The Chicago Bears Situation
While the idea of trading a player of Moore’s caliber seems counterintuitive, a closer look at the team’s roster, finances, and long-term vision reveals why a move might make sense for both sides. The buzz is real, and it could lead to one of the most significant trades of the offseason.
Why Teams Want DJ Moore
Despite a dip in his production during the 2025 season, DJ Moore is still viewed around the league as a dynamic and reliable pass-catcher. In his first year with Chicago, he posted career highs with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. That level of talent doesn’t just disappear.
Teams in the market for a wide receiver see Moore as a proven veteran who can instantly elevate their passing game. He is a versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field and create separation. For a team with a young quarterback, adding a dependable target like Moore can accelerate development and provide a much-needed security blanket. His reputation as a hard worker and a respected locker-room presence only adds to his appeal.
The Contract Conundrum
The primary driver behind these trade rumors is Moore’s contract. Before the 2024 season, the Bears signed him to a four-year, $110 million extension. While it was a sign of commitment at the time, the deal is now a significant financial hurdle. Moore carries a massive $28.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
For the Bears, moving that contract would create substantial financial flexibility. Trading Moore would free up $16.5 million in cap space, money that could be reallocated to fix other holes on the roster, particularly on the defensive line.
While the large contract could be a deterrent for some teams, others with ample cap space—like the Las Vegas Raiders or Tennessee Titans—might see it as an opportunity. The high salary could lower the draft pick compensation required to acquire him, making it a more palatable move for a team looking to add a star without giving up a premium pick.
A Changing of the Guard in Chicago
The emergence of young receivers on the Bears’ roster is another key factor. Rome Odunze established himself as a legitimate deep threat in 2025, and rookie Luther Burden III became a more significant part of the offense as the season progressed. By the end of the year, Moore was arguably the third or even fourth option in the passing game behind the young wideouts and tight end Colston Loveland.
Paying a No. 3 receiver nearly $30 million a year is poor resource allocation, especially for a team trying to build a sustainable contender around a young quarterback on a rookie deal. As GM Ryan Poles stated at the NFL Combine, “this is the time where we have to look at all the different scenarios and see what can allow us to put the best team we can put out there.” Reading between the lines, that means no player is untouchable if moving them improves the team’s long-term health.
A DJ Moore trade would officially signal a new era in the Bears’ wide receiver room, placing the future squarely on the shoulders of Odunze and Burden. While losing a player of Moore’s talent and leadership would be a blow, the potential cap savings and draft compensation might be too valuable for Poles to pass up. As the new league year approaches, the calls will likely get louder, and a blockbuster trade could be on the horizon.
