The Chicago Bears finally look like a team built to win now. A division title. A playoff victory. A young franchise quarterback is ascending. Expectations have changed fast for the Bears.
But contenders face hard choices. And one of the biggest could arrive this offseason if the Bears seriously consider moving one of their highest-paid offensive stars.
Bears Could Trade DJ Moore Amid Salary Cap Crunch
The Bears’ 2025 season marked a turning point. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears finished 11-6 and captured their first NFC North title since 2018. Quarterback Caleb Williams powered the run, set an NFL record with seven comeback victories, and led the Bears to their first playoff win in 15 years before a Divisional Round overtime loss ended the season.
Now comes the harder phase. Managing success. The Bears enter the 2026 offseason roughly $5.3 million over the salary cap. Major contracts are stacking up. Wide receiver DJ Moore carries a $28.5 million cap hit in 2026 as part of his four-year, $110 million extension. That financial reality has pushed his name into trade conversations.
ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak believes the Bears could ultimately move Moore.
“The Bears will trade wide receiver DJ Moore, as the future of the position seems set with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Most of Moore’s money is tied up in salary, not bonuses, which makes it palatable for Chicago to trade him even with four years left on his contract,” Solak noted.
This gives the Bears flexibility despite four years remaining. At 28 years old, Moore could still attract teams needing veteran receiver production. From a roster standpoint, the math is complicated.
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Moore has averaged roughly 800 yards and six touchdowns per season over the last two years. He remains one of Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets. Several of Williams’ biggest throws in 2025 came to Moore, including a game-winning Wild Card moment.
But internally, the Bears may be weighing cost versus role. Moore was second in team targets last season and could slide further as Odunze and Burden develop. If the Bears view Moore as more luxury than a necessity, moving him could free roughly $16.5 million in cap space.
League chatter suggests the Bears could explore multiple paths; they could shop Moore. They could push for a pay cut. Or they could restructure the deal to spread cap hits into future seasons. Reports suggest the Bears may meet with Moore and his representatives to discuss options.
Trade value remains uncertain. Some insiders believe the Bears might only receive late-round pick swaps if another team absorbs the full contract. That reality could force the Bears to decide whether financial flexibility outweighs Moore’s production and leadership.
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Potential destinations could include cap-strapped teams in need of receiver help, such as the Titans, Raiders, Chargers, or Commanders.
For the Bears, this decision may define their identity as a roster builder. Trading Moore could signal a full commitment to the young offensive core. Keeping him could reinforce a win-now push around Williams.
Either way, the Bears appear to be entering the phase where good teams become great or stall based on the toughest roster decisions.
Oh yeah, The Bulls are definitely trading Moore. Did you even proof read this AI slop??