The Chicago Bears have recently attracted trade interest from other NFL teams regarding several players, including wide receiver DJ Moore. Alongside Moore, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter have also been subjects of trade discussions, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Teams are reportedly evaluating these players as potential additions through trade, free agency, or the draft.
DJ Moore’s Declining Role and Contract Situation
Moore, 28, has been with the Bears for three seasons after being acquired from the Carolina Panthers. While he initially posted impressive numbers, his performance has steadily declined following a breakout season. In 2023, Moore set career highs with 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Although he secured a career-high 98 receptions in 2024, his yards per catch dropped to a career-low 9.9.
Last season, Moore recorded just 50 catches for 682 yards, both personal lows, although he managed to catch six touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown. Despite playing with Caleb Williams, widely regarded as providing the best quarterback support of Moore’s career in 2025, Moore’s statistics did not significantly improve. Williams’ offensive scheme favored spreading the ball among multiple receivers, which reduced Moore’s target share.
Moore nonetheless tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions and ranked second in both catches and yards. However, Chicago’s receiving corps showed depth and balance, with receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, along with tight end Colston Loveland, posting comparable stats. This depth has made Moore’s place on the roster more debatable, especially considering his substantial contract commitment. He is set to earn $23.485 million annually over the next four years, with a heavy $28.5 million salary cap hit looming for 2026.
“viewed as available for the right price”
– Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
Backup Quarterback Tyson Bagent’s Limited Opportunities
Tyson Bagent, age 25, has struggled to find playing time behind starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who is firmly established as Chicago’s franchise quarterback and projected starter for years to come. In his rookie year, Bagent started four games, going 2-2 with 859 passing yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. Since Williams was taken first overall in the 2024 NFL draft, Bagent’s appearances have been minimal.
While it is valuable for the Bears to maintain a capable backup familiar with the offensive system, trading Bagent could be on the table if a sufficient offer, better than a late-round draft pick, arises from interested teams.
Defensive Tackle Gervon Dexter’s Emerging Performance
Dexter is preparing for his fourth NFL season after being chosen 53rd overall in the second round of the 2023 draft. He had a strong campaign last year, starting all 17 games and recording 44 tackles, along with career highs of six sacks, six tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries. Dexter’s role in the Bears’ defense has grown, indicating potential for further development.
Any decision to trade Dexter is likely linked to contract considerations, as he will be a free agent after the 2026 season. The Bears have veteran Grady Jarrett and 2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner to fill defensive tackle roles, but moving Dexter could weaken the team’s interior defensive line depth considerably.
Potential Team Strategy Following Recent Success
After finishing last season with an 11-6 record, winning the NFC North, and reaching the NFC Divisional Round, the Bears face pressure to build on their accomplishments. While trade interest exists for Moore, Bagent, and Dexter, Chicago may opt to strengthen the roster by acquiring rather than parting with key players.
Two other names the #Bears have received calls on are QB Tyson Bagent and WR DJ Moore, per sources.
Moore has over $23M in guaranteed money in 2026 and is viewed as available for the right price by teams in the WR market. https://t.co/gchkxeiTtV pic.twitter.com/VfDk45sSey
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2026
Sources: Teams have inquired with the #Bears about trading for DT Gervon Dexter, as the free-agent DT market and draft class are not deep.
The 24-year-old started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He is entering the final year of his rookie… pic.twitter.com/7v9LhAm4QH
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2026
