Following a solid year of development under first year head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears will look to retool this offseason in order to maintain their upward trajectory. It won’t be easy, though, as they currently rank 21st in the NFL in projected cap space in 2026, meaning that tough roster decisions could be looming.
Will Bears WR DJ Moore Have A New NFL Home In 2026?
One of the players that the team could consider trading is wide receiver DJ Moore. After signing a 4-year, $110 million extension in 2024, the 28-year-old hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations, as he totalled just 682 yards in 2025 despite playing in all 17 games, and he has had just one 1,000+ yard season since 2021.
The emergence of youngsters Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, ages 23 and 22, could make Moore expendable. Both players averaged more yards per game than their high-priced counterpart, and are both still on their rookie contracts.
The Bears can save up to $24.5 million if they were to trade DJ Moore this offseason, and it is becoming increasingly likely that they do so. If they pull the trigger, which teams might be interested in his services? Here are three possible destinations for Moore:
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are in serious need of a revamp for their wide receiver room. Both Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, their two receiving yards leaders at the position, are free agents this offseason and unlikely to return to San Francisco. Brandon Aiyuk didn’t play a single snap in 2025, and he has burned essentially every bridge with the organization and won’t be back next season.
That would leave Ricky Pearsall as the team’s top option, who has played in just 20 career games over his first two seasons. Whether it be by trade, free agency, or the draft, the 49ers will be active on the receiver market in 2026. They will likely target veterans at the position, given that George Kittle’s status is still unknown, as Brock Purdy will be in need on reliability next season and in the future.
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London is Atlanta’s top wideout, but bringing in DJ Moore would create an impressive 1-2 punch. The team needs help at the position regardless, as their 2nd and 3rd wideouts amassed just 634 yards combined in 2025, and two of their three leading pass catchers overall were Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.
Atlanta is also in a favorable financial position to make a move. The Falcons project to be comfortably under the cap in 2026, giving them the flexibility to absorb Moore’s contract without crippling future roster plans. With questions still surrounding their long-term quarterback situation, adding a proven veteran receiver could help stabilize the offense.
Buffalo Bills
Given their struggles in replacing Stefon Diggs over the last two seasons, the Bills figure to be one of the big players on the wide receiver market this offseason. Guys like Keon Coleman have failed to fill the role of becoming a go-to target for Josh Allen, and the offense can only be so dynamic with Khalil Shakir as the number one option.
The Bills would likely show some interest if DJ Moore is available. His age would fit the timeline with Buffalo’s MVP quarterback, and his veteran presence could be key in future postseasons. But his recent statistical decline could give the Bills some pause, and they would likely favor other options before settling on Moore.
