DJ Moore bolsters a thin receiving corps in Buffalo. Mike Dinovo / Imagn Images
March 5, 2026Updated 4:31 pm EST
The Chicago Bears have agreed to trade wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick.
Why they made the move
Moore, who turns 29 next month, had career lows of 50 receptions and 682 yards last season despite the Bears’ offensive renaissance under coach Ben Johnson. Moore is due $23.485 million in guaranteed salary in 2026, so the Bears were looking to shed payroll before free agency begins next week.
The Bills, meanwhile, had rampant receiver issues last season. Rather than relying on quarterback Josh Allen to do it all himself again in 2026, they’ve brought in a dose of support.
Bills grade: B
Moore has displayed No. 1 receiver ability at times in his career, recording at least 1,100 yards in a season four times. He is immediately the most proven wideout on Buffalo’s roster, and his ability to contribute on screens and the running game will make him valuable for someone like Allen, who already gives defenses weekly nightmares. Moore’s improvisational play-making ability will also be huge considering Allen’s propensity to work late into a down.
Bills coach Joe Brady was with Moore in Carolina from 2020-21, when Moore enjoyed two of his most productive seasons despite wildly inconsistent play at quarterback.
Khalil Shakir was the only member of the Bills — at any position — to catch at least 40 passes last season. The team needs veteran help and had to get creative because the free-agent market isn’t overly encouraging.
If Moore becomes the Bills’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2023, this trade grade will deserve a boost.
Bears grade: A–
The Bears got out of Moore’s contract and still have wideouts Rome Odunze and Luther Burden and tight end Colston Loveland on rookie deals, so they’re in a better position to support other areas of the roster.
Moore is still a good player, but there’s no sense in trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Moore’s production in Johnson’s first season didn’t match his price tag. With younger players at the position, it was wise to split while Moore still had value on the trade market.
Mar 5, 2026
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