Bears Insider Believes Chicago Could Find Trade Partner for WR DJ Moore

Moore's $28.5 million cap hit in 2026 could make him a trade candidate despite his on-field production and leadership.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to a report from the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, the Chicago Bears might be able to find a trade partner for wide receiver DJ Moore despite his large contract, as the team looks to create salary cap space. Biggs suggests the Bears could potentially get a Day 2 draft pick in return for Moore, who had a down statistical season in 2025 but remains a key veteran presence in the locker room.

Why it matters

The Bears are currently over the salary cap, and moving Moore's $28.5 million cap hit could give them more flexibility to improve the roster in other areas. However, Moore has been a productive player and leader for the team, so any potential trade would need to balance the financial considerations with the on-field impact of losing such an important piece.

The details

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has praised Moore's play and indicated the team would like to keep him in Chicago. But Biggs reports that Poles' comments may have been a "sales pitch" to make it clear Moore is available via trade. While Moore is coming off his worst statistical season since joining the Bears, he still made key plays down the stretch, especially with top wideout Rome Odunze sidelined. The Bears would likely need to get creative with the contract to facilitate a trade, potentially paying down some of the money owed to Moore.

  • The NFL Scouting Combine took place in late February 2026, where Poles commented on Moore's future.
  • The 2026 NFL free agency period is set to begin in mid-March 2026.

The players

DJ Moore

A wide receiver for the Chicago Bears who is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 with a $28.5 million cap hit.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears who has praised Moore's play but acknowledged the team may need to move him due to salary cap constraints.

Rome Odunze

The Bears' top wide receiver who missed time in 2025 due to a stress fracture in his foot.

Brad Biggs

A reporter for the Chicago Tribune who reported that the Bears could find a trade partner for Moore and potentially get a Day 2 draft pick in return.

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What they’re saying

“One source was relatively confident the Bears could find a taker for Moore and might be able to get a Day 2 pick in return.”

— Brad Biggs, Reporter (Chicago Tribune)

“Perhaps some creativity would be required to swing a deal in which the Bears paid down some of the money. They would trade Moore only to try to improve in 2026. In my opinion, that doesn't mean flipping him for a draft pick. That means trading him to create cap space with a clear plan for how to use the added space. The pick helps, but it would be about subtracting Moore to add a player the Bears believe can be of greater immediate help.”

— Brad Biggs, Reporter (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Bears will need to decide whether to keep Moore on the roster or explore trade options before the start of free agency in mid-March 2026. Any potential trade would likely require some creative contract restructuring to facilitate a deal.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult balance NFL teams must strike between managing the salary cap and retaining valuable veteran players. While Moore has been a productive and respected leader for the Bears, his large contract could make him a trade candidate as the team looks to improve the roster within the constraints of the salary cap.