Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) makes the eventual game winning touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears’ playmaker linked to offseason trade

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 7:45 PM ET

The Chicago Bears‘ offense could look dramatically different in 2026 than it finished the season in 2025.

As general manager Ryan Poles, and the Bears look to build out a more balanced and complete roster to maximize ascending quarterback Caleb Williams, not to mention free up cap space to fortify a defense in need of an upgrade along the front seven, some big changes could be on the way.

Chicago Bears predicted to trade WR DJ Moore

After an ill-fated Williams pass intended for DJ Moore was intercepted by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl to close out a season-ending loss in the NFC Divisional playoffs, there’s a legitimate possibility that the star wide receiver has played his final game in a Bears uniform.

After the game, Williams admitted that he and Moore were not on the same page on the play, but after three seasons in Chicago Moore might be the Bears’ most valuable trade chip this offseason.

Over at ESPN, NFL analyst Ben Solak predicts the Bears will end up trading Moore at some point during the offseason ahead.

“The Bears will trade wide receiver DJ Moore,” Solak predicts. “As the future of the position seems set with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Most of Moore’s money is tied up in salary, not bonuses, which makes it palatable for Chicago to trade him even with four years left on his contract. At 29, he should still be enticing to teams in need of veteran WR play.”

Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) practices against the New Orleans Saints before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Given that the Bears enter this offseason approximately $4 million over the projected salary cap, with some ascending young depth at receiver, and some pressing needs to fill, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see Chicago fully embrace a youth movement around Williams, and trade Moore for cap relief and draft capital.

Wide receiver-needy teams with plenty of cap space, such as the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, or Los Angeles Chargers could be teams to watch, if the Bears ultimately wind up shopping more in the weeks and months ahead.

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

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