Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches a three-yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams (not pictured) against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Here’s why the Chicago Bears sent DJ Moore to Buffalo

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 1:33 PM ET

Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore posted the worst statistical regular season of his career, but came up big in big moments. He hauled in 50 receptions on 85 targets for 682 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, adding 11 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs. Moore was outgained by Colston Loveland and outtargeted by Rome Odunze, both players on rookie contracts with bright futures, along with Luther Burden III.

The Chicago Bears were attempting to trade the veteran WR

Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) catches the game-winning forty-six yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams (not pictured) in overtime against Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Bears have attempted to trade D.J. Moore over the past month because of the bright futures of young offensive players like Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III, as well as his contract situation. He has four years remaining on the four-year, $110 million contract he signed in 2024. Moore is scheduled to earn a fully guaranteed $23.485 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $765,000, a $250,000 workout bonus, $24.5 million in cash, and carries a $28.5 million cap charge in 2026. Lastly, if he is on the roster by March 13, $15.5 million of his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed, setting a deadline for a deal.

The Bears send 8,000-yard receiver packing

According to Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears have traded D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills for an undisclosed mid-round pick, with the trade finalized at the start of the new league year. As a result, the front office clears around $16.5 million while taking on $12 million in dead cap, the remaining prorated signing bonus, while the Bills are set to take on the base salary, the guaranteed money, per-game, and workout bonuses. With the recent trade, the Bears should be salary-cap compliant, with approximately $8 million in cap space, and more moves to be made.

Sources: The #Bears are trading veteran WR DJ Moore to the #Bills, landing Josh Allen another weapon. It’s a mid-round pick compensation going back. pic.twitter.com/vtFCiXhsbs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026