The Green Bay Packers face a challenging path to reclaim dominance in the NFC North, especially with the Chicago Bears improving under head coach Ben Johnson. Their renewed strength makes surpassing the Bears a key offseason goal for Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. The Bears, however, find themselves $4.1 million over the salary cap, putting pressure on general manager Ryan Poles to make tough roster decisions, including potential trades involving key players like DJ Moore.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that the Bears are receiving trade inquiries about Moore, suggesting the wide receiver’s future in Chicago is uncertain. This development has Packers fans hopeful as the team looks to gain an edge in the division during the offseason.
Why Trading DJ Moore Makes Sense for the Bears
Considering Chicago’s financial constraints, Moore stands out as a likely candidate for a salary cap move. If the Bears trade him before June 1, they could free up $16.5 million in cap space; waiting until after could clear up to $24.5 million, according to Spotrac. Moore’s contract remains substantial, with a $93.9 million commitment stretching through 2029.
On the field, Moore has been a formidable opponent for the Packers, recording 43 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns in eight games against Green Bay. In four of his six regular-season meetings with the Packers as a Bear, he posted at least 60 receiving yards. Notably, he scored a decisive, game-winning touchdown in last month’s NFC Wild Card Round, a play fresh in Packers fans’ minds given its impact.
Implications of Moore’s Potential Departure for Both Sides
Moore remains a talented 28-year-old receiver, finishing last season with 50 catches on 85 targets for 682 yards and six touchdowns, plus 15 carries for 79 yards and one rushing score. However, the Bears possess promising young talents in Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland, which may reduce their need to retain Moore long term.
Without Moore’s veteran presence, the development of Chicago’s emerging receivers will come under intense scrutiny. Odunze, Burden, and Loveland might all advance their games next season, but the absence of Moore could also create a challenging environment that leads to potential setbacks for the group.
The Packers and Bears share one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, where setbacks for one team often energize the other’s supporters. Losing Moore could relieve Green Bay of a key threat and provide momentum as they vie for NFC North supremacy. Every advantage matters as the division’s competition heats up heading into the new season.
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
