Bears Trade WR DJ Moore to Bills

Chicago Bears send star receiver to Buffalo in cap-saving move

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears have traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The move frees up significant salary cap space for the Bears as they look to address other needs this offseason, including on the offensive line and defense. The Bears will receive a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick in exchange for Moore and a fifth-round pick.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to reshape their roster this offseason after a disappointing 2025 season. Parting with Moore, one of their top offensive weapons, will allow them to create more financial flexibility to address other areas of need as they aim to bounce back in 2026.

The details

The Bears acquired Moore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, sending the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina. However, with Moore's $114 million contract extension set to kick in this year, the Bears decided the price tag was too high to keep him long-term. In the trade, the Bears will receive the Bills' second-round pick (No. 60 overall) and a fifth-round selection, while sending their own fifth-round pick to Buffalo.

  • The Bears traded DJ Moore to the Bills on March 5, 2026.
  • Moore's $114 million extension was set to begin in the 2026 NFL season.

The players

DJ Moore

A Pro Bowl wide receiver who spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Bears after being acquired in a trade from the Carolina Panthers.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' starting quarterback, who will need to adjust to losing one of his top targets in Moore.

Tremaine Edmunds

A linebacker for the Bears who is expected to be released or traded, freeing up an additional $15 million in cap space.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Losing Moore means the Bears also need to add to their receiver room. However, they already have three options there.”

— Chris Kwiecinski, Author (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The Bears will look to use their newfound cap space to address needs on the offensive line and defense in free agency. They will also have an extra second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to potentially find Moore's replacement or address other roster holes.

The takeaway

The Bears' trade of DJ Moore clears significant salary cap space, but the team will need to find a way to replace his production and playmaking ability on offense. This move is part of a larger offseason overhaul as the Bears aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.