DJ Moore’s future in Chicago is anything but certain as the Bears head into a pivotal 2026 offseason. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign that featured flashes of brilliance mixed with stretches of inconsistency, Moore finds himself at the center of some tough financial and roster decisions. He’s slated to carry a hefty $28.5 million cap hit, and with the Bears facing some salary cap gymnastics, the question becomes unavoidable: is it time to move on?
The emergence of young wideouts Rome Odunze and Luther Burden only adds fuel to the conversation. Both players look like long-term building blocks, and their development could make Moore-still a reliable veteran presence-more expendable than ever. Trading him wouldn’t just alleviate cap pressure, it could also net the Bears a valuable asset in return.
While draft picks are typically the go-to in these scenarios, there’s a potential player-for-player swap that’s worth keeping an eye on-especially given the Bears’ glaring need at left tackle.
Let’s be clear: the offensive line is a concern. Ozzy Trapilo, who showed promise before his injury, isn’t expected back until midseason.
Meanwhile, Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones are both hitting free agency. That leaves Chicago without a clear answer at one of the most critical positions on the field.
So, if there’s a chance to turn Moore into a capable left tackle, it’s worth exploring.
Enter Jaylon Moore.
The Kansas City Chiefs could be a logical trade partner here. Moore signed a sizable free-agent deal with Kansas City last offseason, but his role quickly changed when the team drafted Josh Simmons with the final pick of the first round. Simmons took over the starting job and hasn’t looked back, pushing Jaylon Moore into a backup role-albeit an expensive one.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Chiefs have a serious need at wide receiver.
Not a single wideout on their roster cracked 600 yards in 2025. That left Patrick Mahomes leaning heavily on Travis Kelce, who, while still productive, isn’t getting any younger.
Kansas City needs a proven pass-catcher to balance the offense and take pressure off their aging tight end. DJ Moore fits that mold.
From Chicago’s side, Jaylon Moore isn’t a long-term fix at left tackle, but he’s a competent stopgap. He played well in spot starts back in San Francisco and showed he can hold his own when filling in for Simmons in Kansas City.
He’s not flashy, but he’s technically sound, with a good punch and enough athleticism to survive on the edge. He’d give the Bears a serviceable option on the blind side while they wait for Trapilo to return and evaluate their options in next year’s draft.
Financially, this works too. Jaylon Moore’s contract runs through next season, which means the Bears wouldn’t be locked into a long-term commitment. It’s a low-risk move that could stabilize a shaky offensive line-something Justin Fields (or whoever is under center in 2026) would certainly appreciate.
At the end of the day, this potential trade offers a classic win-win scenario. The Bears get short-term help at a premium position without having to burn a draft pick, and the Chiefs finally give Mahomes a legitimate weapon on the outside. If both front offices are willing to pick up the phone, this is the kind of deal that could quietly benefit both teams in a big way.