Devin Hester Weighs In on DJ Moore Bears Trade Rumors

Former Bears star emphasizes value of veteran leadership amid offseason roster considerations.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 8:23am

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Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester has weighed in on the trade rumors surrounding current Bears wide receiver DJ Moore. Hester stressed the importance of retaining veteran leadership on the team, even as the Bears face financial considerations around Moore's $28.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season. The Bears must balance salary relief with the benefits of Moore's experience for developing younger receivers and supporting quarterback Caleb Williams.

Why it matters

The Bears' decision on DJ Moore's future will have significant implications for their roster composition and salary cap management as they look to build on their 11-6 season and NFC North title. Hester's perspective as a former Bears star provides valuable insight into the team's leadership needs and the value of veteran presence, which could influence how the front office approaches this critical offseason decision.

The details

DJ Moore expressed his desire to remain with the Bears, despite recording a career-low 682 receiving yards last season. However, with his $28.5 million cap hit, trade rumors have linked him to teams like the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. Devin Hester advocated for keeping Moore, emphasizing the need for veteran leadership, even as the Bears consider the financial benefits of trading him after June 1, which could free up around $24.5 million in salary cap space. The Bears must weigh the advantages of salary relief against the potential impact on team stability and the development of younger receivers like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as quarterback Caleb Williams.

  • The Bears finished the 2025 regular season with an 11-6 record and captured the NFC North title.
  • The Bears lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round in overtime.
  • DJ Moore expressed his wish to continue with the Bears during exit meetings.

The players

Devin Hester

A former star wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, known for his exceptional return skills and leadership during his time with the team.

DJ Moore

The current wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, who recorded a career-low 682 receiving yards in the 2025 season.

Rome Odunze

A promising young wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.

Luther Burden III

Another promising young wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.

Caleb Williams

The starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what's going on with DJ Moore and his situation. I'm hearing a lot of trade rumors. I don't know how true that is. I like the young receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, but you always want a veteran guy like DJ in there too.”

— Devin Hester, Former Bears star

“So, if we can keep DJ, that's a plus. If not, we need to find another veteran receiver who has at least seven or eight years of experience to bring into the room. Hopefully, they can keep DJ, though.”

— Devin Hester, Former Bears star

What’s next

The Bears' front office must decide whether to trade DJ Moore after June 1 to free up salary cap space or retain him for his veteran leadership and experience.

The takeaway

Devin Hester's perspective highlights the delicate balance the Bears must strike between financial considerations and the value of veteran presence on the team. As they plan for the 2026 season, the Bears must carefully weigh the tradeoffs to support their young core and maximize their chances of a deeper playoff run.