The Chicago Bears have completed a significant move by trading wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the 60th overall pick in the upcoming draft. This transaction, made in early March 2026, addresses Chicago’s need for salary cap relief as they prepare for other roster moves.
Moore, who struggled during the past season and carries a $24.5 million contract over the next four years, had initially raised concerns about the kind of compensation the Bears would receive. Many expected a low draft pick in return, but the Bills’ offer to move up three rounds in this year’s draft appears to provide Chicago with a more valuable asset.
Draft Strategy: Targeting the Sweet Spot for Quality Players
Experts emphasize the value of picks within the 50 to 75 range, considering this area a “sweet spot” for acquiring dependable starters. According to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah, the difference in player quality between picks in this portion of the draft is minimal, often comparable to higher selections.
“I see the sweet spot in this draft between 50-75. There are going to be a bunch of solid starters in that range. The edge rusher, CB or WR you get at 75 will be graded almost identically to the one you’d get at 45.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Analyst
By trading Moore for the 60th pick, the Bears appear to align their strategy with expert insight, aiming to maximize value within this draft range rather than settling for a less impactful selection.
Cap Savings Enable Pursuit of Maxx Crosby
Beyond securing a promising draft pick, this deal provides the Bears with roughly $16.5 million in immediate cap relief by offloading Moore’s remaining contract. This comes shortly after the unexpected retirement of center Drew Dalman, which freed approximately another $10 million, totaling about $26.5 million in recent salary cap space.
Such financial flexibility positions the Bears well for high-profile negotiations. One of the primary targets benefiting from this cap space is defensive star Maxx Crosby, who has drawn strong trade interest from Chicago as the team looks to bolster its pass rush.
“Sources: Teams in the trade market have gotten the sense that the #Raiders are more open to the idea of trading Maxx Crosby, and it’s a situation that is only going to intensify.” – Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
Alongside this, Schultz also notes a broader expectation of further activity from the Bears on the trade front, indicating the team is far from finished improving its roster.
“I do not get the sense the #Bears are done on the trade market…” – Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
Bears’ Roster Moves Signal Commitment to Reinforcement
The Bears currently hold approximately $20 million under the salary cap, without any roster restructures yet implemented, amplifying their ability to absorb contracts such as Crosby’s $36 million cap hit for the 2026 season. Additionally, the team is expected to trade linebacker Tremaine Edmunds soon, which could release another $15 million.
These moves reflect a clear direction from Chicago’s front office signaling a commitment to augmenting the team’s competitiveness through strategic acquisitions.
“Meanwhile, the Bears have cleared a bunch of cap room this week, with Drew Dalman retiring and DJ Moore traded. We’d mentioned earlier that they’ve shown some interest in Tyler Linderbaum and Maxx Crosby. Stay tuned.” – Albert Breer, NFL Reporter
Given this context, it’s evident the Bears are preparing to pursue significant talent aggressively and are reorganizing their cap space accordingly.
Potential Trade Costs and Next Steps for the Bears
While trading Moore provides necessary financial space, it is not without emotional cost for the team and fans. There remains uncertainty about what it will take for the Bears to secure Crosby’s services. Previously, the Raiders demanded two first-round picks, a steep price that many believe Chicago should reconsider.
A more feasible offer could involve giving up the 25th overall pick and a second-round selection, whether in the current draft or next year’s class. With the additional pick obtained from Buffalo, this approach appears more manageable and realistic for Chicago’s front office.
The upcoming days are expected to bring clarity, as the Maxx Crosby trade saga intensifies and a resolution seems imminent. Whichever team ultimately acquires Crosby will be making a bold statement about their intent for the season.
I see the sweet spot in this draft between 50-75. There are going to be a bunch of solid starters in that range. The edge rusher, CB or WR you get at 75 will be graded almost identically to the one you’d get at 45.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 5, 2026
Sources: Teams in the trade market have gotten the sense that the #Raiders are more open to the idea of trading Maxx Crosby, and it’s a situation that is only going to intensify. pic.twitter.com/9dI0HeHdkv
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
I do not get the sense the #Bears are done on the trade market…. https://t.co/FcTDonWcFk
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2026
Meanwhile, the Bears have cleared a bunch of cap room this week, with Drew Dalman retiring and DJ Moore traded. We'd mentioned earlier that they've shown some interest in Tyler Linderbaum and Maxx Crosby. Stay tuned.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 5, 2026
