The Chicago Bears fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations in the 2025 season, and now the focus shifts to how they can take that next step in 2026. With expectations rising and a young franchise quarterback in place, this offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for GM Ryan Poles and the front office.
But the path forward isn’t as clean as it’s been in recent years. For the first time under Poles, the Bears are operating in the red - $5.3 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap.
That means tough decisions are coming. If Chicago wants to keep its championship window open, it may have to part ways with some familiar faces.
Names like Jaquan Brisker, Cole Kmet, and Braxton Jones are already being floated as potential cap casualties or trade chips. But the most intriguing - and possibly the most impactful - situation surrounds wide receiver DJ Moore.
DJ Moore’s Future in Chicago Is Suddenly Uncertain
Moore was a major piece in the blockbuster trade that brought Caleb Williams to Chicago. At the time, he was seen as a foundational weapon for the Bears’ offense - a proven playmaker who could help ease the transition for a rookie quarterback. And for a while, that’s exactly what he was.
Over the past three seasons, Moore has totaled 244 catches for 3,012 yards and 20 touchdowns in 51 games. Solid numbers by any measure. But take a closer look, and there’s a clear downward trend in production:
- 2023: 96 receptions, 1,364 yards, 8 TDs
- 2024: 98 receptions, 966 yards, 6 TDs
- 2025: 50 receptions, 682 yards, 6 TDs
That kind of drop-off - especially in a year when the Bears were pushing for a deep playoff run - is hard to ignore. And with the rise of young receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, Moore’s role in the offense has started to shrink. Both Odunze and Burden have flashed star potential, and it’s clear the Bears see them as long-term cornerstones.
The Contract Complication
Moore is under contract through 2029 after signing a four-year, $110 million extension in 2024. That deal locks in a hefty cap hit of $28.5 million annually for the next three seasons.
Cutting him outright isn’t really an option - not unless the Bears want to swallow a staggering $35.4 million in dead money before June 1. Even a post-June 1 release would still leave $27.4 million on the books.
Translation: if Moore’s time in Chicago is coming to an end, it almost certainly has to be via trade.
Now, trading Moore won’t be easy. That contract is a big ask for any team, especially given the recent dip in production.
But it’s not impossible. Just last year, the 49ers were in a similar spot with Deebo Samuel, and they managed to flip him to Washington for a fifth-round pick - with the Commanders absorbing his full salary.
That kind of deal might be the blueprint for Chicago. Find a team in need of a proven veteran receiver, one willing to take on the financial commitment, and use the freed-up cap space to address other areas of need.
What Happens Next?
There’s still a chance Moore stays in Chicago, especially if the Bears can’t find a trade partner. But the writing’s on the wall. With the team over the cap and younger receivers stepping into the spotlight, Moore’s role - and his contract - may no longer align with the Bears’ long-term vision.
If a deal does materialize, it could be the kind of move that helps the Bears retool on the fly. Whether that means bolstering the offensive line, adding depth on defense, or finding another veteran presence for Williams, reallocating Moore’s salary could go a long way toward getting this team over the hump.
The Bears are close. But close doesn’t cut it in the NFL. This offseason is about finding that extra edge - and tough calls like this one might be the price of progress.