In an attempt to salvage their perennially mediocre receiving core, the Bills have traded for DJ Moore. Moore spent his last three years with Chicago, and racked up 3012 yards and 20 touchdowns in the windy city. While he was supposed to be Chicago’s long-term #1 wide receiver, concerns surrounding his mesh with Ben Johnson put that dream into question. Now, he’ll get to go from one elite arm to another, joining Josh Allen’s squad. The expectation now is that Moore will provide Buffalo an explosive wideout who can take the top off of defenses. Will he reach those expectations and justify the price Buffalo paid to get him?
Moore’s addition to Chicago
Aug 12, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) celebrates after scoring on a 62-yard touchdown catch and run in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
As a key part of the 2023 trade between Carolina and Chicago, Moore moved to Illinois. At the time, the general consensus surrounding Justin Fields is that he still had the potential to be the Bears’ franchise guy. Team brass believed that the addition of Moore could take Fields’ play to the next level. With how AJ Brown unlocked Jalen Hurts and Stefon Diggs helped Josh Allen blossom, it didn’t feel unreasonable to expect the same with Moore.
The three years as a Bear
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with wide receiver DJ Moore (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ryan Poles gleefully watched as his flashy trade acquisition became an immediate force on the field. In 2023, DJ Moore hauled in 96 receptions for 1364 yards. Unfortunately though, the ascension of Justin Fields was never meant to be, and the Bears’ possession of the first overall pick led to a divorce between the two parties. With Caleb Williams under center, Moore continued to produce at a respectable level, though he never reached the heights of his 2023 season.
Buffalo’s need at the position
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) scores a touchdown during the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ever since Stefon Diggs was traded out of Buffalo, the Bills have needed a true difference maker at receiver. You could even say that the problem has lingered for longer, as Stefon Diggs’ final year with the team was underwhelming by his standards. Since Diggs’ departure, none of the team’s receivers have eclipsed the 1000 yard mark, which has simply put too much weight on Josh Allen’s shoulders. This became especially apparent during 2025, as the failings of second round pick Keon Coleman highlighted Buffalo’s deficiencies.
Brandon Beane’s mindset
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Brandon Beane and the Buffalo front office have a mindset of employing a committee of receivers rather than relying on just one. The club has trotted out multiple average pass-catchers on cheap, short-term deals in the past few seasons. Curtis Samuel, Josh Palmer, Mecole Hardman, Gabe Davis, Brandin Cooks and others have been band-aid fixes which haven’t fully patched the hole at wideout.
The trade
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) reacts after catching the game-winning forty-six yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Caleb Williams (not pictured) in overtime against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
A potential shift in attitude seems to have taken over. Brandon Beane, who during the trade deadline said “this isn’t fantasy football” when describing why the team did not make a move, has sent away a second round selection for DJ Moore and a fifth round pick. While Beane has been sensitive about his lack of resources allocated towards fixing up the receiving room, the issue has become simply too big to ignore. Along with sending their second round selection, Buffalo will also take up the rest of Moore’s contract.
Why it’s a win for the Bears
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Getting a day two pick is always nice, especially if it’s a second rounder. Paired with the fact that the Bears will also relieve some cap space, it’s a great move to be made, especially when you look at the needs Chicago has and the nucleus of talent already in the building. Luther Burden flashed bright, Colston Loveland became an immediate contributor, and Rome Odunze has yet to be unlocked. Recreating their magical 2025 season is going to be a tough mountain to climb. That second round pick and extra cap space will make the rise easier.
Why Buffalo may regret the trade
Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is stopped by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) and Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson (53) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Simply put, DJ Moore’s production is on the decline. For two years in a row, his receiving output has seen a dip in numbers. In those last two years despite being fully healthy, he’s come short of the thousand yard mark both times. Considering he’ll be 29 to start the season, this regression won’t magically fix itself thanks to a change of environment. This isn’t even considering the criticism regarding his lack of effort on plays. What initially comes to mind is Moore abandoning his route on Chicago’s season-ending interception. But besides that crucial playoff gaffe, his lack of focus has consistently popped out on tape. Perhaps the misfit with Ben Johnson’s offense was the cause for his pitfalls. Nevertheless, trading away a second rounder and taking up a $24.5 million cap hit for a player with as many red flags as Moore smells of disaster.
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