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The Chicago Bears picked up one of their biggest wins in recent history in Week 16, defeating the Green Bay Packers in overtime to seize control of the NFC North.
Many players played key roles in Chicago's victory over Green Bay, but wide receiver DJ Moore ended up being the hero. Moore hauled in five receptions for 97 yards and also snagged the game-winning touchdown on a 46-yard deep ball from quarterback Caleb Williams in the extra period.
Though Moore did make one of the clutchest plays of the season to lift the Bears over the Packers, the 28-year-old has had an underwhelming 2025 campaign, which has led to NFL Rumors' Logan Ulrich listing the veteran receiver as an offseason trade candidate.
For as talented and productive as he’s been, Moore has never been the most detail-oriented, which is not the best fit with Johnson’s offense. The veteran is due $24.5 million in 2026, nearly all of which is guaranteed. If Chicago finds a trade partner, it could clear the whole bill from its books, which would be welcome considering the Bears don’t have a lot to work with in terms of cap space next season.
Moore hasn't posted prolific numbers this year, as the former first-round pick has tallied just 48 receptions for 664 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. The Maryland product's last 1,000-yard campaign came in 2023, when he posted 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns on 96 receptions.
With Moore not living up to the $110 million extension he signed in 2024, it would be wise for Chicago to explore the trade market for the former Carolina Panther, especially with the deal still having four years remaining.
Additionally, the Bears are well-equipped for Moore's departure. The franchise used a first-round pick in the 2024 draft on Rome Odunze and also added Luther Burden III in the 2025 draft. Both receivers are younger and cheaper than Moore and also have a ton of promise.
Keeping Moore, who has built a strong rapport with Williams, on the roster in 2026 would be understandable. However, moving on from the aging and expensive receiver this offseason and building the receiver room around Odunze and Burden would be the logical move.
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