Chicago Bears could be about to trade $24.5 million star to clear cap space

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles may need to take some bold actions to create cap space this offseason, to continue building around upstart quarterback Caleb Williams, and fortify a defense that lived and died by its ability to create takeaways throughout the 2025 campaign.

It is no secret that the Bears will likely prioritize improving coordinator Dennis Allen’s pass rush, beefing up the interior of the defensive line, and have some major dilemmas to solve at safety, with veterans Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all slated to be unrestricted free agents.

However, Poles and the Bears are currently projected to begin the offseason approximately $5.3 million over the cap.

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore the subject of persistent trade rumors

Poles and the Bears’ front office can create some spending flexibility by restructuring contracts, and moving some money around, but cap casualty type of cuts and trades may be the most expeditious way to open up cap space.

Over at ESPN, top analyst Bill Barnwell suggests that DJ Moore could be one of the most likely wide receivers to be traded this offseason.

“GM Ryan Poles signed Moore to a four-year, $110 million extension in the summer of 2024,” Barnwell points out for ESPN. “A deal that starts next season. Moore’s $23.5 million base salary in 2026 is already guaranteed, and if he’s on the roster in mid-March, $15.5 million of Moore’s $23.5 million salary in 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. The Bears (or any team acquiring Moore) would essentially be on the hook for a one-year, $40 million deal or a two-year, $49 million pact before revisiting his contract after 2027.

“Moore is still a starting-caliber wideout, and there should be interest if the Bears do listen to offers. A middle-round pick would be a realistic return, but the real benefit might be freeing up $24.5 million in 2026 cash, which would allow Johnson and Poles to realign the offense in the coach’s preferred vision.”

It seemed apparent by season’s end that Moore and Williams were not quite on the same page, despite the top wideout catching 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns this past season.

So, if the Bears are looking to reallocate some of the $23.5 million Moore is due this offseason towards fortifying the defense while expanding the roles of young receivers Rome Odune, Luther Burden, and second-year tight end Colston Loveland, Moore could be a fascinating trade chip for Chicago to deploy in the weeks ahead.

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