The Chicago Bears are reportedly exploring a trade involving wide receiver DJ Moore, aiming to enhance their defensive lineup by acquiring Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. Following the NFL offseason in 2023, where the Bears secured DJ Moore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for the first overall pick, Moore’s role may again position him as a key asset in a major transaction. This move is considered part of Chicago’s strategy to strengthen its defense heading into the new season.
DJ Moore’s Performance and Position on the Bears’ Roster
DJ Moore showed promising talent in his first year with Chicago, ranking seventh in the NFL for Wide Receiver Impact Metric (WRi) with an impact score of 89.6 and earning a B+ grade according to PFSN’s analytics. However, his production declined in 2024 to 25th place with an impact score of 81.0 and a B- grade while playing with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The 2025 season was more challenging, as Moore dropped to 73rd place with an impact score of 71.6 and a C- grade.
With promising young wide receivers like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III on the Bears’ roster, Moore’s future with the team is uncertain. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell predicts that Moore’s contract and performance could make him a candidate for trade this offseason in order to clear salary cap space and provide the team with defensive reinforcement.
Trade Proposal Details Between Bears and Raiders Analyzed
Barnwell suggests a trade scenario where the Raiders would receive WR DJ Moore and a 2026 first-round draft pick, while the Bears would acquire edge rusher Maxx Crosby along with a 2027 fifth-round pick. Crosby, who recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, has a trade-friendly contract structure with minimal dead money of $5.1 million for the Raiders if traded before 2026.
Crosby hasn’t publicly requested a trade, and the Raiders moved on from coach Pete Carroll after the season, but there’s certainly some smoke here. His three-year, $106.5 million extension was structured to make a trade before the 2026 season financially palatable. The deal doesn’t have a signing bonus, so the Raiders would be on the hook for only $5.1 million in dead money if they traded him.
?Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst
This arrangement would allow the Raiders to gain valuable draft capital to aid their ongoing rebuild, while adding a capable wide receiver like Moore to support their promising rookie, presumptive first overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The Bears have the 25th pick, and GM Ryan Poles hasn’t been shy about using draft picks to add talent… Poles probably has to clear out some cash and cap to get a deal done. Enter Moore, whose four-year extension starts next season. I’m not sure Johnson really loves Moore. The Bears will be locked into Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III… The Raiders, meanwhile, need to add help at wide receiver for presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
?Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst
Implications of the Trade for Both Teams
The trade would realign the Bears’ roster and financial commitments, enabling their management to shed Moore’s substantial contract and emphasize their strong defensive line by adding Crosby. Maxx Crosby is regarded as one of the top edge defenders in the NFL, ranked second in PFSN’s Edge Rusher Impact Metric with a score of 95.3 and an A grade this past season.
Under this deal, Crosby would remain under team control through the 2030 offseason due to his valuable extension, providing Chicago with a long-term defensive cornerstone. Meanwhile, the Bears would open more opportunities for emerging wide receivers such as Burden to develop without Moore’s considerable cap hit.
Poles and the Bears, meanwhile, would be getting out of what might be an awful contract extension and realigning some of their cash toward the weakest part of their roster,
?Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst
For the Raiders, acquiring Moore strengthens their receiving corps, complementing Mendoza’s arrival and supporting their rebuilding efforts. Both teams stand to gain notable assets that address their specific roster needs and financial situations, making this a plausible trade scenario in the coming offseason.
