Chicago Bears: DJ Moore’s trade value revealed

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 4:35 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have a question about what to do with veteran wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason as the front office faces cap cuts before the start of the league’s new year in March.

Per Over the Cap, the Bears are in the red by over $5 million. The Bears are set to take on a cap hit of $28.5 million in 2026 for Moore.

While Moore has proven to be a solid target for Chicago, the team has a plethora of young pass-catching options that will leave the team in good shape if they part with the veteran receiver.

During an episode of the “NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal” this week, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell said he thinks the Bears would receive a Day 2 pick in exchange for Moore this offseason.

“Mid-round pick, you know, third, fourth-round range,” Barnwell said. “I don’t think anything too crazy. The money here is it’s significant. I mean, $40 million over two years is not necessarily like wide receiver one-money anymore.

“Obviously, when you’re thinking about superstars getting 40 plus million dollars a year, but it’s more than the vast majority of teams are paying their number two wide receiver. And by the way, if he’s on the roster for the Bears this offseason, $15.5 million of his contract in 2027 becomes fully guaranteed.”

Will the Chicago Bears part with DJ Moore?

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) practices against the New Orleans Saints.

Moore came to Chicago via a trade package with the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft that would become quarterback Bryce Young.

Moore has recorded 608 receptions for 8,213 yards and 41 touchdowns his career. His best career season came with the Bears in 2023 when he recorded 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

Moore, a 2018 first-round pick by the Panthers, earned 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns last season. He was a hero in the Bears’ two wins over the Green Bay Packers, including in the Divisional Round.

It’s unclear if the Bears would value a third-round pick over Moore. He’s clearly better than a Day 2 draft pick.

However, the key is what the Bears want to do with the receivers salary. $40 million in two years is a lot for a team that has Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland eating up targets, especially when Chicago has issues on the defensive line and at left tackle to address.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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