It's no secret that veteran wideout DJ Moore has been discussed as a potential trade candidate ever since the 2026 NFL offseason began. The 28-year-old wide receiver's latest performance didn't align with the $28.5 million cap hit (Spotrac) he's about to carry next season, leaving Bears fans to wonder if he's long for the Windy City.
Nevertheless, the latest WR news going around the NFL won't help the Bears' odds to trade Moore, especially with free agency opening in a few days. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Indianapolis Colts didn't franchise-tag wideout Alec Pierce, and it only took one more day for him to reveal his intentions on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams."
"I love Indy. I've loved playing there. Great organization, great people in the city," Pierce said. "... (But) at this point, I've kinda earned the right to explore free agency, see what's out there, and make a decision that's best for my career and for my family."
Bears Could Struggle to Trade DJ Moore This Offseason
The Bears can free up $16.5 million in cap space by trading Moore now or $24.5 million after June 1, according to OverTheCap. And with the team $7.4 million over the cap, they might have to settle for a lesser return to get him off their books.
Multiple teams looking for pass-catchers will be wise to make a run at Pierce, who led the league in yards per reception in back-to-back seasons. He is also coming off a 2025 performance where he set career-high stats in catches (47), receiving yards (1,003), and yards per game (66.9).
Pierce's upcoming availability all but shrinks the market of potential destinations for Moore.
More than that, the New England Patriots will reportedly release Stefon Diggs after one year in Foxborough. That gives teams looking for help at the wide receiver position another option, and he might be cheaper than Moore, who could be overpriced after finishing with personal-worst marks in yards and catches last season.
Moore might still have juice left in the tank, but teams might prefer Diggs or Pierce over him, given that draft picks wouldn't have to be given up to land either of the wideout duo. That isn't exactly great news for the Bears, who will likely want to drag their feet until they get the best return possible.
The former Carolina Panthers star didn't live up to the hype in his first year under head coach Ben Johnson's tutelage. He ended up being overshadowed by the likes of Rome Odunze, Luther Burdern III, and Colston Loveland, who will all be returning to the Bears on affordable rookie contracts.
Moore still hauled in 50 receptions on 85 targets for 682 yards and six touchdowns, adding 15 carries for 79 yards and an additional score. He's just 28 years old and is signed through the 2029 season, so more than enough teams should be intrigued by the possibility of making a run at him.
That said, Moore's trade value took a bit of a hit this week, and any potential trade may have to wait until other available names find their new homes.