The Chicago Bears didn't get in the way of former assistant general manager Ian Cunninhgam's new gig. Even knowing they wouldn't receive a compensatory third-round pick for losing him to the Atlanta Falcons, Bears GM Ryan Poles did his friend a solid and let Cunningham try to advance his career.
Now, it might be time for Cunningham to return the favor. The Bears have a salary cap problem that could be solved by moving on from wideout D.J. Moore. Coincidentally, Cunningham's Falcons may happen to be in the market for a wide receiver, opening the door for a potential offseason deal between old friends.
Falcons Make Too Much Sense as a DJ Moore Trade Destination
More than just collecting a favor, the Falcons could actually benefit from this move.
Darnell Mooney is overpaid and will most likely be released, leaving new head coach Kevin Stefanski in need of more WR talent besides Drake London. There's an obvious connection between the franchises, and Cunningham is already familiar with Moore, his personality, body of work, and potential fit on the team.
Granted, Falcons president Matt Ryan will still have the final say on roster-related decisions, but he's also close to Poles. It's in the Bears' best interests to find a trade suitor for the former Carolina Panthers star, and they would be foolish not to make the most of this win-win scenario.
According to OverTheCap, the Bears could save $16.5 million against the salary cap by trading him before June 1. That number jumps all the way to $24.5 million after that day. However, his $15.5 million salary for the 2027 season would be guaranteed after the third day of the league year, so they would probably like to move him sooner.
Of course, it's not that Moore isn't a good player. Even if he didn't breakout or become the dual-threat gadget player most people thought he'd be once head coach Ben Johnson took the reins of the team, he was still fairly solid.
Moore finished the season with 50 receptions on 85 targets for 682 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also had 15 carries for 79 rushing yards and another score. He would've been fourth in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns in Atlanta.
As good a player as Moore is, the Bears don't need him. They're more than set with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland as their primary pass-catchers, and that's without mentioning potential offseason additions. Keeping Moore in town would be a disservice to the trio and a waste of a trade asset.
The table is set, and it's now up to old buddies Ryan Poles and Ian Cunningham to catch up and get a trade done before the Falcons' offseason plan gets put into motion.