The Chicago Bears are finalizing a trade that will send star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, according to a confirmed source. The deal, which is expected to be official at the start of the league year next week, will likely return a midround draft pick to the Bears. The move comes as the team seeks to address multiple areas of need amid a tight salary cap situation.

Moore’s Impact and New Chapter with the Bills

DJ Moore, who joined the Bears in 2021, has been a consistent presence in the NFL, accumulating 244 catches for 3,012 yards over his three seasons with the team. He ranked 14th in the league in both catches and receiving yards during that span, and his 20 touchdowns placed him 13th among wide receivers. Moore’s best season came with Justin Fields at quarterback, but he will now team up with the Bills’ Josh Allen under new head coach Joe Brady.

Brady, who was an assistant coach with the Carolina Panthers from 2020 to 2021, worked with Moore during his time with the team before the Bears acquired him in 2021 as part of the trade that sent the 2023 first overall pick to the Panthers. The move to Buffalo marks a new chapter for Moore, who is set to begin a four-year, $98 million contract extension signed at the start of the 2024 season. That contract includes $23 million in 2026 and $24.5 million in 2027, making him a high-cost asset for the Bears.

Salary Cap and Team Needs Drive the Trade

The Bears’ decision to trade Moore comes amid a pressing need to reallocate resources. The team has multiple key positions in need of upgrades, including center, left tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, and safety. Potential targets include Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who is frustrated with his current situation and could be available in a trade. Crosby is set to have a $35 million cap hit in 2026, a figure the Bears may want to avoid.

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have both praised Moore, acknowledging his contributions even as the trade was being considered. Poles described Moore’s season as having “some slow moments” but noted that he “did a really good job” overall. He added that the Bears were “happy with him throughout the entire season,” despite the need to make difficult decisions in the cap crunch.

Johnson was also intentional in getting the ball to Moore, emphasizing the opportunities created for him. However, the emergence of other receivers, including Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze, provided the Bears with a more balanced receiving corps. This depth made Moore’s trade more palatable, as the team seeks to improve its cap flexibility.

What’s Next for the Bears and Moore

The Bears’ decision to trade Moore is not final until the start of the new league year, which begins next week. The team will likely use the midround draft pick in the upcoming draft to address its needs. The trade also opens the door for potential upgrades in the offensive line and defensive front, areas where the Bears have struggled in recent seasons.

For Moore, the move to the Bills could provide a fresh start. Playing under Joe Brady, who has a background in the Panthers’ offensive system where Moore previously played, could be a significant factor in his success. The Bills have a strong offense led by Josh Allen, and Moore’s experience and production could be valuable in Buffalo.

The Bears’ season ended in disappointment, with Caleb Williams throwing an interception in overtime on a pass to Moore that was described as a miscommunication. However, Moore’s performance in the Bears’ win over the Packers in December, where he caught the game-winning touchdown, was named the NFL’s 2025 Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year. That play will be remembered as a highlight of his time in Chicago.