Bears could cut ties with $110 million star via trade after draft decision

The Chicago Bears drafted Luther Burden III in the second round of the NFL Draft. Their decision could mean they are ready to cut ties with D.J. Moore in the near future.

The Bears acquired Moore in the trade that sent the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. Moore signed a four-year, $110 million extension before last season. However, Windy City Gridiron's Bill Zimmerman thinks Burden's addition could signal an incoming trade of Moore.

"What if the Luther Burden pick was made because the new coaching staff isn't 100% certain on DJ Moore moving forward based on last season's performance? Burden's play comps very similarly to Moore's," Zimmerman wrote on X.

Moore has 2,330 yards in 34 games with the Bears. He has also scored 14 touchdowns. Last season, he failed to eclipse 1,000 yards, however. Moore could have a great season with Ben Johnson calling plays for Caleb Williams and him this year. Amon-Ra St. Brown established himself as a Pro Bowl receiver under Johnson.

Moore has a $24 million cap hit this season and a $28 million-plus cap hit for the next three seasons. Maybe not this year, but if Burden breaks out in Johnson's offense, the Bears could be open to moving on from Moore and creating more cap space. He is still 28 years old and could yield the Bears a decent return.

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"To be clear, I'm not suggesting Moore gets traded this offseason, but if he doesn't fit well this year, this would be a move they consider for the 2026 season was the point," Zimmerman continued on X.

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