The Buffalo Bills have intensified their efforts to improve the receiving options surrounding Josh Allen by acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2026 NFL season. This move, aimed at addressing Buffalo’s long-standing need for a high-level pass-catcher, comes as the team seeks to enhance its offensive weapons and push deeper into the playoffs.
To secure Moore, the Bills traded a 2026 second-round and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to Chicago. Moore, 29, is expected to provide a much-needed upgrade at the wide receiver position, strengthening the Bills’ lineup as they continue their pursuit of their first Super Bowl appearance with Allen as the franchise quarterback.
Details of the DJ Moore Trade
Buffalo received DJ Moore in exchange for two future draft picks sent to the Bears: a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick both scheduled for 2026. This trade highlights the Bills’ commitment to bolstering their offense through proven talent despite Moore experiencing a dip in production in recent seasons.
The Impact on Buffalo’s Wide Receiver Depth Chart
Upon arriving in Buffalo, DJ Moore immediately becomes the top wide receiver option. Although Moore’s recent years have not matched his earlier peak—he failed to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 and fell below 700 yards in 2025—his previous four 1,000-yard campaigns demonstrate his ability to perform at a high level.
Under Joe Brady’s guidance as offensive coordinator in Carolina during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Moore accumulated 2,350 yards and eight touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target. While his numbers declined during his tenure in Chicago, Moore remained the Bears’ second-leading receiver, even as teammates Rome Odunze and Luther Burden posted comparable yardage despite missing games.
The Bills’ receiving corps has lacked a reliable top target beyond Allen’s trusted options. Moore’s arrival should shift the balance of targets, moving pressure away from players like Khalil Shakir, who has emerged as a key route-runner and primary target since Stefon Diggs left Buffalo after 2023. Shakir’s physical attributes suggest he is better suited for slot duties, potentially altering his role as Moore assumes more responsibility on the outside.
Other returning receivers such as Joshua Palmer, Mecole Hardman, and Curtis Samuel face increased competition for playing time. Palmer is likely to retain the WR3 spot initially, but Moore’s presence puts pressure on all three amid an offense known for its passing tendencies.
Additionally, Keon Coleman, a 2024 second-round pick who struggled to make an impact last year and frequently missed games, may see his role diminish further. Despite his promising physical profile, his underwhelming production has likely influenced Buffalo’s decision to pursue Moore aggressively. It would require a significant resurgence for Coleman to regain favor with the coaching staff led by Joe Brady.
Alongside the wide receiver group, Buffalo’s tight end tandem bolsters the passing attack. Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid have both contributed important plays in recent seasons and will be expected to maintain that level of involvement with Moore now added to the equation.
Analyzing DJ Moore’s Career Performance
At his peak, DJ Moore was among the NFL’s most productive receivers. In 2023, his first season in Chicago, he ranked 13th in receptions, sixth in receiving yards, and tied for eighth in receiving touchdowns. However, his output declined in 2025 despite starting all 17 games, marking career lows in receptions and yardage.
This drop can be partly attributed to the crowded Bears receiving room, which included talented players like Odunze, Burden, Colston Loveland, and tight end Cole Kmet, each contributing at various points. Moore did manage to score twice in the postseason, although his overall playoff performance was mixed. Notably, during the Bears’ overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round, Moore reportedly stopped short on a route that preceded a game-sealing interception and field goal.
This was the end for DJ Moore in Chicago….Bills sure hope it’s better effort moving forward. https://t.co/ygF3kF3em7 pic.twitter.com/u0K6qaIXRC
?Chase Daniel, Former NFL Quarterback
With a new environment in Buffalo, Moore will have the opportunity to rejuvenate his career at age 29. Josh Allen’s ability to distribute the ball aggressively could enable Moore to regain some of his earlier production, but doubts remain whether Moore can sustain a high level over the long term.
What This Means for the Bills and Josh Allen’s Future
The addition of DJ Moore signals a tangible upgrade to Josh Allen’s wide receiver options, addressing a critical area of weakness that has limited Buffalo’s postseason success. By investing two valuable draft picks, the Bills’ management has demonstrated urgency in enhancing Allen’s support system with a seasoned pass-catcher.
Moore’s presence is expected to reshape Buffalo’s passing dynamics, potentially redistributing targets and revitalizing the offense’s effectiveness. The pressure to perform will also intensify for other receivers and emerging players like Keon Coleman, whose future role appears less secure.
As the Bills enter the 2026 season, this strategic move may mark a turning point in their quest for a championship. Success will depend on Moore’s ability to reestablish himself as a reliable threat, the ongoing development of Buffalo’s receiving group, and Josh Allen’s continued growth as a franchise quarterback capable of maximizing his supporting cast.
This was the end for DJ Moore in Chicago….Bills sure hope it’s better effort moving forward. https://t.co/ygF3kF3em7 pic.twitter.com/u0K6qaIXRC
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 5, 2026
