DJ Moore was the unquestioned best wide receiver on the Chicago Bears' roster in 2023 and 2024. It is why they felt comfortable handing him a contract extension that kept him on the roster through 2029. However, things change fast in the NFL. When Ben Johnson took over as head coach, many felt it would be a boon for Moore. He'd finally have a brilliant offensive mind running the show. Instead, the veteran is enduring the worst season of his career. Barring a late surge, he will finish with fewer than 800 yards receiving for the first time since his rookie year in 2018.
That is not great considering he's the highest-paid player on offense for the Bears. It begs the inevitable question. Will the team look to move on after this year, paving the way for Rome Odunze and Luther Burden to become the two primary receivers on the team? Moore will be 29 years old in 2026. He will also command $28.5 million. With the Bears having so little cap space and the receivers' regression, it feels like the right time for a change. So how might GM Ryan Poles go about it?
DJ Moore can only be shipped out one way.
Cutting him outright is impossible, as it would incur a $7 million cap hit. They could technically do a post-June 1st cut, but that would saddle them with $27 million in dead cap. The only plausible option for the Bears is a trade. Dealing DJ Moore would create $16 million in cap space. Finding a taker will be the first challenge. Due to that contract, it will require a team with a lot of money to spend and a need for wide receiver help. Looking ahead to next offseason, the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers stand out as possibilities.
Then there is compensation. Given Moore's production and age, this scenario feels similar to Amari Cooper. He was turning 29 in 2022 and coming off a down year for him. Dallas traded him to the Cleveland Browns for a 5th round pick and a swap of 6th round picks. That seems to be the ballpark for Moore if the Bears decide to make a move. It might not be the compensation fans want, but such is the price for a devalued asset. Hopefully, the receiver can find a spark before it's too late.
