The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a playoff push and understand what's in front of them. Every player on the team is going to have to bring their A-game, and one of those guys is veteran receiver DJ Moore.
It's been a down year for him in 2025, but he stepped up in a huge way in Week 15's 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. With Rome Odunze sidelined and Luther Burden getting knocked out of the game due to an ankle injury, Moore led by example, reeling in two touchdowns, including an impressive 22-yard grab over two defenders in the third quarter, and 69 yards on four catches.
Despite making plays in this victory for Chicago, the Bears can't overlook the grand scheme of things, which is likely moving Moore via trade this offseason, given the team's other pressing needs.
DJ Moore's Big Week 15 Won't Play Him Out of Trade Territory
This isn't an indictment of Moore, as he has the skills and tools to be an effective playmaker. In his first two seasons in the Windy City, Moore compiled 194 receptions for 2,330 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, clearly being the team's No.1 option in the aerial attack.
But things have taken a turn this season, as Moore entered Week 15 ranked second on the team in receiving yards, trailing Rome Odunze. It's worth noting that Odunze has missed two games in 2025, further adding to how disappointing his veteran counterpart's campaign has been.
Even when factoring in Sunday's effort, Moore is still only on pace for 567 receiving yards — a new career low. No matter how you slice it, that production doesn't match the $28.5 million cap hit he's slated to have in each of the next three seasons, per Spotrac.
Head coach Ben Johnson has made it his priority to spread the ball around and get several guys involved in the passing game, which doesn't help Moore's case. When the Bears have talented playmakers like Odunze and Burden, as well as tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, overpaying for an underperformer like Moore isn't necessary.
For what it's worth, an offseason trade would create $16.5 million in savings before June 1, and $24.5 million after that, according to Spotrac. General manager Ryan Poles could easily use the extra money that Moore's departure would create to get a lower-cost option or use it to upgrade the team elsewhere, which would be a welcome sight.
Bears are focused on finishing the season strong and making the playoffs. Moore's outburst on Sunday certainly helps with that goal, but it won't be enough to change the fact that moving on from him is something Chicago must do this offseason.