Chicago Bears Urged To Trade DJ Moore For Former First Round Pass Rusher

In the NFL, building a complete roster often requires bold, strategic moves that prioritize team needs over individual star power. The Chicago Bears find themselves at a fascinating crossroads. They are loaded with young, high-end talent at the skill positions, but have a glaring need for a dominant pass rusher. This has led to an intriguing, if controversial, trade proposal: what if the Bears traded star wide receiver DJ Moore to the New York Giants for edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux?

This article explores the logic behind a potential DJ Moore for Kayvon Thibodeaux trade, analyzing why Chicago’s emerging receiving corps makes Moore expendable, how Thibodeaux would address a critical defensive weakness, and why this deal could represent a rare win-win scenario for both franchises.

Why the Chicago Bears Would Consider Moving DJ Moore

Trading a player of DJ Moore’s caliber seems counterintuitive. Since arriving in Chicago, he has been a consistent, productive, and reliable WR1. However, the Bears’ recent draft strategy has created a wealth of talent at the receiver and tight end positions, potentially making Moore’s massive contract a luxury they can convert into a desperately needed asset.

The Rise of Rome Odunze

The primary reason this trade is even conceivable is the rapid emergence of Rome Odunze. Drafted with the No. 9 overall pick in 2024, Odunze is already looking like a true top-tier receiver. Through the first three games of the 2025 season, he has compiled 16 catches for 227 yards and a league-leading four touchdowns. His performance suggests he is more than ready to ascend to the role of the primary target in the offense for quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears have also invested heavily in other pass-catchers. They used a top-10 pick in 2025 on tight end Colston Loveland and a second-round selection on slot receiver Luther Burden III. This infusion of young, cost-controlled talent means the offense is no longer solely reliant on Moore to carry the passing attack. A receiving corps led by Odunze, with support from Loveland and Burden, is a formidable group in its own right.

Addressing a Critical Need

While the Bears’ offense is stocked with weapons, the defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Through three games, the team has managed just five sacks, placing them near the bottom of the league. In today’s pass-happy NFL, a lack of an effective pass rush is a fatal flaw for any team with championship aspirations.

Trading from a position of strength (wide receiver) to address a critical weakness (edge rusher) is a classic team-building principle. Moore is an excellent player, but the value of an elite pass rusher often outweighs that of a WR1, especially when a viable replacement is already on the roster.

The Case for Kayvon Thibodeaux in Chicago

Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, would be the perfect solution to Chicago’s pass-rushing woes. While he may not have consistently played up to his lofty draft status in New York, he has been a productive and disruptive force. At only 24 years old, his best football is still ahead of him.

Proven Production and Financial Value

In his time with the Giants, Thibodeaux has accumulated 22.5 sacks, 51 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles for loss in 46 games. Pro Football Focus currently ranks him as a top-30 edge rusher out of 155 qualifying players, highlighting his effectiveness. He would immediately become the most talented pass rusher on the Bears’ defensive line.

Financially, the trade is also appealing. Thibodeaux is still on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option for 2026 exercised by the Giants at a reasonable $14.75 million. This is significantly less than the $110 million extension the Bears gave to the 28-year-old Moore. This move would allow the Bears to acquire an impact player at a premium position while also gaining future financial flexibility.

Why the Giants Would Make the Deal

This trade is not just a one-sided proposal. The New York Giants have their own reasons for considering a move involving Thibodeaux. The team already has a significant investment in veteran pass rusher Brian Burns and recently drafted Abdul Carter, a promising rookie edge defender. This depth could make Thibodeaux expendable, especially if they can acquire a proven offensive weapon in return.

The Giants are in the process of transitioning to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Providing a young QB with a reliable, veteran receiver like DJ Moore would be an invaluable move to support his development. Pairing Moore with their own young star receiver, Malik Nabers, would give the Giants a dynamic and versatile receiving duo for years to come. For a team focused on building around a young quarterback, adding a proven 1,000-yard receiver is an incredibly attractive proposition.

Conclusion: A Win-Win Blockbuster

The hypothetical DJ Moore for Kayvon Thibodeaux trade is a fascinating case of two teams swapping from their areas of depth to address significant needs.

For the Chicago Bears, it would be a forward-thinking move. It would signal their confidence in Rome Odunze as the new WR1, provide a desperately needed boost to their pass rush, and create long-term financial flexibility. It would be a bet on the principle that an elite defense, anchored by a dominant pass rusher, is essential for winning championships.

For the New York Giants, it would be a strategic pivot to support their new franchise quarterback. They would acquire a proven, high-character veteran to mentor a young offense and form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving tandems with Malik Nabers.

While trading a fan favorite and productive star like DJ Moore is always a difficult decision, the logic is sound. This move would balance the Bears’ roster, align their financial commitments with their most critical needs, and ultimately bring them one step closer to building a true Super Bowl contender.