The Buffalo Bills have agreed to trade for veteran wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, marking a significant reinforcement for quarterback Josh Allen’s receiving corps. The deal, reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, includes the Bears sending Moore and a fifth-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for a second-round pick. This move aims to strengthen the Bills’ offense as they prepare for the upcoming season starting March 11.
Moore is under a contract through 2029 after signing a four-year, $110 million extension with the Bears in 2024. According to Moore’s agents speaking with ESPN, the Bills will guarantee $15.5 million of his base salary for 2028. His $23.5 million salary for 2026 is already fully guaranteed, and the 2027 salary will become guaranteed shortly, protecting his financial security amid the trade.
Background on DJ Moore’s Career and Current Situation
During his three seasons with the Bears, Moore secured 244 receptions, gained 3,012 yards, and scored 20 touchdowns. Despite his solid career metrics, his production has declined each year, suggesting the Bears and Moore were headed toward parting ways. Before Chicago, Moore demonstrated top-level performance, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards multiple times with the Carolina Panthers.
Moving to Buffalo offers Moore an opportunity to revive his career, especially with the familiarity of reuniting with Joe Brady, the former Panthers offensive coordinator. Brady was instrumental in Moore’s peak year in 2020 and is now beginning his journey as the Bills’ head coach. This reunion could boost Moore’s ability to perform at a high level again.
Josh Allen Gains a Reliable Offensive Weapon
The addition of DJ Moore answers a pressing need for the Bills, who have sought a premier wide receiver to complement Josh Allen’s passing game. Moore’s track record includes four 1,000-yard seasons, and he caught 98 passes just one year ago. With Moore’s arrival, he is set to become Buffalo’s primary receiver, ahead of players like Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman on the depth chart.
The Bills struggled last season against some of the NFL’s strongest defensive secondaries, exposing weaknesses in their receiving group. The existing receivers, including former draft pick Coleman, have failed to meet expectations, and Shakir has been more suited as a secondary option. This made it necessary for Buffalo to rely heavily on tight ends and midseason additions like Brandin Cooks, highlighting the importance of securing a proven wideout like Moore.
Chicago Bears Focus on Youth Movement in Their Receiving Group
With Moore traded, the Bears are shifting toward a younger receiving corps focusing on emerging talents such as Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Odunze showed promise last season despite missing games, and he looks poised to lead the Bears’ receiving unit in his third professional year. Burden also flashed potential during his rookie campaign with multiple 100-yard games and increased opportunities as the season progressed.
Alongside these young receivers, tight end Colston Loveland is expected to play a major role in Chicago’s offense. Loveland’s development will be critical as the Bears, with quarterback Caleb Williams, prioritize building a group of weapons with a similar timeline for growth and performance.
Buffalo’s Remaining Priorities After Securing Moore
After securing their top receiving target, the Bills now face defensive and offensive line challenges, particularly after allowing the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL last season. Buffalo must also address uncertainties on the interior offensive line, with center Connor McGovern and left guard David Edwards both approaching free agency.
Salary cap management will be tight for Buffalo as they work to assemble a roster capable of contending for a championship under new head coach Joe Brady. One potential area to free up funds is tight end Dawson Knox, whose $17 million cap hit looms large despite a modest 36-catch, 417-yard season.
Bears Set to Gain Cap Flexibility Ahead of Free Agency
The trade will provide the Bears with significant salary cap relief, following center Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement. Moore’s projected $24.5 million cap number for 2026 will be freed, allowing general manager Ryan Poles to address team needs, especially as Chicago faces uncertainty with eight defensive backs set to enter free agency.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright, who led the NFL with eight takeaways in 2025, safety Kevin Byard with seven interceptions, and defensive stars Jaquan Brisker and nickelback C.J. Gardner-Johnson are all key figures in the Bears’ secondary. The additional cap space gained gives Chicago necessary resources to retain as much of this defensive unit as possible heading into the next season.
As part of today’s trade, Buffalo will be guaranteeing $15.5 million of DJ Moore’s 2028 base salary, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Moore’s 2026 salary is fully guaranteed, and his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed next week. https://t.co/8CihwAE2Bb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
