Buffalo Bills Acquire WR D.J. Moore from Chicago Bears

BUFFALO (Azat TV) – The Chicago Bears are finalizing a significant trade to send star wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills, a move that provides Bills quarterback Josh Allen with a premier offensive weapon and strategically frees up substantial salary cap space for Chicago. The agreement, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, is expected to become official at the start of the new NFL league year next Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to Tom Pelissero, the Bills will acquire Moore and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick (No. 164 overall) from the Bears. In return, Chicago will receive a 2026 second-round pick, which is No. 60 overall. This transaction marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Buffalo Bills Secure Key Receiving Talent

For the Buffalo Bills, the acquisition of D.J. Moore addresses a critical need for a proven, top-tier receiver to complement Josh Allen. Moore, 28, brings a strong track record of production and will immediately step in as a primary target in Buffalo’s offense. This move also reunites Moore with new Bills Head Coach Joe Brady, who served as Moore’s offensive coordinator during his time with the Carolina Panthers. Under Brady in 2020, Moore had an impressive season, logging 1,193 receiving yards and a career-best 18.1 yards per catch, suggesting a strong pre-existing chemistry that could benefit Allen and the Bills’ aerial attack.

The Bills had reportedly explored other options, including inquiries about Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, but have now concluded those discussions after securing Moore. The addition of Moore, for less draft capital than some other options, is seen as a strategic win for Bills General Manager Brandon Beane, who faced consistent questions in 2025 regarding the team’s pursuit of a top receiver.

Chicago Bears Prioritize Youth and Cap Space

On the other side of the trade, the Chicago Bears are making a clear strategic shift towards building around their young core, particularly quarterback Caleb Williams. By trading Moore, Chicago saves well over $20 million and frees up $16.5 million in salary cap space for 2026, according to Over the Cap. Moore was scheduled to carry a substantial $28.5 million cap number in 2026, with the Bills now assuming his $24.5 million salary for 2026 and a $15.5 million guarantee for 2027. This financial flexibility provides the Bears with significant resources ahead of the free agency period.

Moore’s role in Chicago’s offense saw a decrease in 2025, with his targets dropping to 85, marking the first time since his rookie season he had fewer than 90. He finished the 2025 season with 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns, career lows in catches and receiving yards despite playing all 17 games. The Bears, under offensive guru Ben Johnson in his first year as head coach, spread the ball among their playmakers, which included promising young receivers Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze, and tight end Colston Loveland. All three rookies exceeded 650 receiving yards in 2025, with Loveland leading the team with 713 yards. This trade signals Chicago’s confidence in these emerging talents to support Williams’ development.

D.J. Moore’s Journey to Buffalo

Moore, originally a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2018, spent his first five seasons with that franchise. He was then famously traded to the Bears in 2023 as part of a blockbuster deal that allowed Carolina to move up to the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, which Chicago eventually leveraged to select Caleb Williams. His first season with the Bears in 2023 was his most productive as a professional, where he tallied 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, including two game-winning touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers that have become franchise highlights, as noted by BearsWire.

In July 2024, Chicago extended Moore with a new four-year, $110 million deal that was set to keep him with the team through 2029. However, his decreased usage in 2025 and significant guaranteed salary made him a prime trade candidate. This move to Buffalo offers Moore an opportunity to re-establish himself as a top target in a high-powered offense, potentially returning to his previous levels of production.

The trade of D.J. Moore represents a clear divergence in strategy for the two franchises: Buffalo is in win-now mode, consolidating talent around its franchise quarterback, while Chicago continues its long-term rebuild, prioritizing cap flexibility and the development of its young offensive core around Caleb Williams.