The Chicago Bears seem primed to at least explore possibly trading DJ Moore during the 2026 offseason. Moore regressed for a second straight year, offering only 682 receiving yards while being paid as a top target. It has become clear that Caleb Williams and Moore lack the necessary chemistry to put up the elite numbers the pass catcher had offered previously in his career. Add in the emergence of Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze, and it makes sense to at least gauge the market and see if the return and cap relief would be worth a possible deal.
For the Bears, there is no better potential suitor than the Denver Broncos. The franchise is projected to have $27.4 in open cap space, according to Over The Cap. This establishes the space for the trade, with the fit being made obvious by Mile High Huddle's Zack Kelberman, "Broncos WRs in the AFC Championship Game: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Elijah Moore. There is NO greater priority this offseason."
Instantly, Moore would be Bo Nix's primary option and a needed star playmaker for Denver. It makes sense for both sides and puts Moore safely in the AFC, where he will be unable to haunt the Bears barring a Super Bowl matchup. Chicago is not only putting Moore in a better position to garner targets, but will be protecting themselves from the move becoming a regret with Moore helping another NFC contender at Chicago's expense.
Broncos Are Bears' Obvious Answer to DJ Moore 2026 Offseason Concerns
One of the biggest reasons why the Bears should explore a trade is the cap savings that stand to be gained by the franchise if Moore is traded after June 1. Dealing with the receiver at the start of the summer would save the Bears an expected $24.5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. In comparison, Chicago is on the hook for Moore being a $28.5 million cap hit in the 2026 season; this total is much higher than the production value Moore is offering the Bears.
A trade makes sense and, if completed after June 1, would result in only a $4 million dead cap hit, making it an incredibly savvy move. Chicago can utilize this cap space to finish building out the offense and possess the necessary remaining space to bring in a receiver who can replace Moore's 2025 production at a comparative bargain.
For the Broncos, it hands Nix the first star receiver of the young quarterback's career, giving the signal caller a legitimate chance to take the next step in his progression as an NFL player. It simply makes far too much sense for both teams not to at least explore the possibility in the months ahead. Denver badly needs an established playmaker, while both Moore and the Bears need a fresh start. If an offseason trade happens, it would be shocking not to see the Broncos at the top of the list of potential landing spots.