Trading DJ Moore wasn’t something Chicago Bears fans really thought about when this year began. He felt like an obvious central piece ot the team’s offense built around Caleb Williams. However, things have changed. Moore hasn’t quite looked like himself this season. He’s not getting separation like we’re used to seeing. It hasn’t helped that he still seems to have chemistry issues with his quarterback, as last Sunday in Baltimore proved. He’s still productive, but he hasn’t been the star Chicago is paying him to be. Rome Odunze seems to be taking over that role.
Some have wondered if it’s getting to the point where the team might consider trading him. Other teams are almost certain to have interest in a player of his stature. Moving him would free up targets for younger guys like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. Crazy? Apparently not. Courtney Cronin of ESPN believes the possibility is definitely there. While it remains unlikely at this point, she believes there is a scenario where the Bears move Moore to free up cap space.
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver DJ Moore. Though I don’t think this is likely to happen, Moore is a more realistic trade candidate than a player such as left tackle Braxton Jones, who was benched after 44 starts and is on injured reserve until at least Week 12. Moore, an eight-year veteran, is second on the Bears in targets (38), receptions (26) and yards (331). His contract situation makes it difficult to see him being moved ($23.5 million cap hit each year through 2029), but if a playoff team becomes desperate, the Bears could feel OK parting with Moore to create cap space in 2026 and giving his targets to rookie Luther Burden III behind Rome Odunze.
DJ Moore might be at the mercy of fate.
The wide receiver market is hot right now. Plenty of teams are looking for help. It isn’t crazy to think the Bears might be getting calls about his availability. However, head coach Ben Johnson may not want to move him because the team is 4-3, and their defense is horrifically banged up. They need every offensive weapon they have to put up points.
On the other hand, if they lose Sunday to fall to 4-4, the Bears may shift their lens to a long-term view. Trading DJ Moore would hurt initially, but it would give their younger players a chance to grow while freeing up money to help more problematic areas in 2026. Trading him frees up over $20 million in cap space.
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Best guess is nothing happens. Most playoff-hopeful teams don’t have the cap space to take on his contract. Unless an injury happens on Sunday that changes things, expect the status quo for the Bears.
