DJ Moore wants to remain with the Chicago Bears, but those outside the organization continue to suggest that he could be a trade candidate this offseason. Of course, Moore is, one, a valued contributor, but also a very talented wide receiver.
Coming off a career-worst campaign in terms of individual production, Moore became a focal point of trade speculation long before the season ended.
This offseason, with the Bears facing needs and financial decisions, that has ticked up.
DJ Moore Name-Dropped in Bears Trade Scenario
Insider Floats DJ Moore Trade Idea for Bears
Moore was part of the trade haul the Bears received that also yielded Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. A second-round selection of the Carolina Panthers, Moore set new career lows with 50 receptions and 682 yards. He caught 6 touchdowns. Moore has a 608-8,213-41 line for his career. He has also carried the ball as a running back.
His 85 targets were the second-fewest of Moore’s NFL tenure. He was more productive as a rookie on three fewer targets, seven fewer starts, and one fewer game.
Williams’ propensity to spread the ball around could make Moore as valuable in a trade.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the Bears send Moore to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for edge defender Maxx Crosby. Notably, Crosby and Williams drew attention with their platitude-filled conversation on the Raiders star’s “The Rush” podcast this week.
Bears get:
- Maxx Crosby
Raiders get:
- DJ Moore
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 25 overall)
- 2027 third-round pick
“The Bears must upgrade a defensive line that tied with the Bengals for last in pass rush win rate last season (28.8%). The presence of Crosby would elevate a team on the cusp of being a contender,” Fowler wrote on February 20.
“Moore’s departure would allow Chicago to center its future passing game around Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.”
Making Dollars & Sense of Bears Trade Idea
The Bears would save $16.5 million against the salary cap in Fowler’s scenario. That would help them take on Crosby, who has a $35.8 million cap hit in 2026 and is signed through 2029 on a three-year, $106.5 million contract.
Moore is signed through 2029 on a four-year, $110 million pact and has a $28.5 million cap number for 2026.
That is a lofty figure considering what his role figures to be in the Bears’ offense.
The Bears figure to lean on their young core of Burden and Odunze at wide receiver, and Loveland at tight end, and they can add more young talent this offseason. Moreover, Fowler noted the deal would give the Raiders a weapon for presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, and additional draft capital.
This offseason could see the Bears take a significant step defensively, but the potential loss of Moore in the process should not be overlooked.
It was Moore who caught two of the Bears’ biggest touchdowns this past season.
Burden and Odunze both dealt with injuries, and they are thin behind them, with Olamide Zaccheaus, Jahdae Walker, and Devin Duvernay the only other receivers on the roster.
