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NFL Trade Rumors: Carolina Panthers Pursuing Reunion With Troubled Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
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NFL Trade Rumors: Carolina Panthers Pursuing Reunion With Troubled Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore

Creating a deal with the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers paid a heavy price to land the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.  

Along with top receiver DJ Moore, the Panthers also packaged a 2024 first-rounder and two second-round picks for the right to draft quarterback Bryce Young. 

Some observers called the deal one of the worst in league history, especially after Young struggled through a 2-15 rookie campaign. 

Young rebounded in 2025, guiding the Panthers to their first NFC South title in 10 seasons. Did it help balance the long-term scales of the trade? 

A roster maneuver this offseason by Panthers general manager Dan Morgan could do it. 

The Panthers enter 2026 seeking to deploy a legitimate downfield threat for Young. 

NFL trade rumors suggest the Panthers are investigating ways to reunite with Moore. 

NFL Trade Rumors: Panthers Could Use DJ Moore’s Explosiveness

Moore’s season didn’t end well. 

In overtime of a divisional round game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, Moore appeared open for a clinching first down, but ran wide and Caleb Williams’ pass was intercepted. 

Williams said after the game he believed Moore would flatten his route. 

Bears fans were furious at the league’s No. 6 receiver in 2023, compiling 1,364 yards. They questioned his route running and effort. After his first season in Chicago, Moore compiled an 89.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade. Over the past two seasons, however, he posted grades of 73.5 and 72.8. At a cost of $28.5 million against the cap, Moore served as the Bears’ No. 4 receiver. 

The NFC North-champion Bears, whose defense ranked No. 29 in yards allowed per game (361.8), need defensive reinforcements. Moore could be GM Ryan Poles’ top trade chip. 

The Panthers’ offense ranked No. 27 in yards per game (295.6). Young could benefit from Moore’s big-play ability. If Morgan engineers a deal for Moore, he would join a young receiving room with Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and Jimmy Horn Jr.

Young needs a downfield threat.

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  
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