Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles recently faced the media, and while many expected him to shut down the swirling trade rumors about wide receiver DJ Moore, he left the door slightly ajar. Moore's name has been buzzing in trade talks as the Bears navigate their salary cap challenges, looking to get back in the green.
Poles had nothing but praise for Moore, highlighting his consistent productivity and value as a teammate. "We want him here," Poles stated, emphasizing Moore's positive impact on the team. Yet, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that they must explore all scenarios to assemble the best possible roster.
Moore, who inked a four-year, $110 million extension with the Bears, carries a hefty $28.5 million cap hit in 2026. Given the Bears' financial landscape, trading him before June 1 could save the team $16.5 million against the cap, albeit with a $12 million dead cap hit. Cutting him isn't a viable option due to the lack of cap savings.
Despite Moore's leadership and past success, his recent performance has dipped, with his receiving yards dropping from over 1,300 in 2023 to under 700 last season. This regression adds another layer to the Bears' decision-making process as they weigh the benefits of keeping a talented player against the financial relief a trade could provide.