Could DJ Moore Be the Giants’ Answer at WR2? In a Thin Market, He Might Be the Smart Play
The New York Giants are heading into a pivotal offseason, and with a new head coach in John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen still steering the ship, the franchise might be positioned to take advantage of a rare market inefficiency.
According to league insiders, both the upcoming free-agent class and the 2026 NFL Draft crop are being viewed as underwhelming-particularly when it comes to offensive playmakers. That’s expected to spark a spike in trade activity, as teams look to fill holes with proven veterans rather than gamble on uncertain rookies or overpay in free agency.
That’s where DJ Moore enters the conversation.
Why DJ Moore Makes Sense for the Giants
Moore’s name has surfaced in trade chatter this offseason, and while his 2025 numbers were far from eye-popping-50 catches for 682 yards-they don’t tell the full story. He was operating in a crowded Bears receiver room, and despite the dip in production, he still found the end zone six times and played all 17 games for the fifth straight season. That kind of consistency is hard to come by.
For the Giants, Moore could be more than just a stopgap. He might be the perfect complement to Malik Nabers, who’s working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury.
Nabers is a dynamic talent, but there’s no guarantee he’s ready for Week 1. Moore, meanwhile, offers a veteran floor with WR1 experience-someone who can carry the load early and still be a threat once Nabers is fully healthy.
This wouldn’t just be about insurance. It’s about giving second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart every opportunity to succeed.
Dart showed flashes as a rookie, but if the Giants want to see real growth in Year 2, they’ll need to surround him with reliable weapons. Moore fits that bill.
Moore’s Track Record: Still Plenty in the Tank?
Let’s not forget who DJ Moore has been throughout his career. Here’s a quick look at his production:
| Season | Team | GP | TGT | REC | YDS | AVG | TD |
|---|
| 2018 | CAR | 16 | 82 | 55 | 788 | 14.3| 2 | | 2019 | CAR | 15 | 135 | 87 |1,175| 13.5| 4 |
| 2020 | CAR | 15 | 118 | 66 |1,193| 18.1| 4 | | 2021 | CAR | 17 | 163 | 93 |1,157| 12.4| 4 |
| 2022 | CAR | 17 | 118 | 63 | 888 | 14.1| 7 | | 2023 | CHI | 17 | 136 | 96 |1,364| 14.2| 8 |
| 2024 | CHI | 17 | 140 | 98 | 966 | 9.9 | 6 | | 2025 | CHI | 17 | 85 | 50 | 682 | 13.6| 6 |
That’s over 8,200 career receiving yards and 41 touchdowns. Even in a “down” year, Moore remained a red-zone threat and a steady presence on the field. At 28 years old, he’s not the same burner he was as a rookie, but he’s still a physical, boundary-winning wideout who can beat man coverage and move the chains.
And in a Giants offense that could feature a healthy Nabers, a developing Dart, and a strong run game, Moore wouldn’t need to carry the entire load-just be the dependable WR2 who keeps defenses honest.
The Wan'Dale Robinson Factor
Of course, the Giants’ interest in Moore likely hinges on what happens with Wan’Dale Robinson. The shifty slot receiver is coming off a breakout season with over 1,000 yards and is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. He’s expected to command around $20 million annually on the open market.
If Robinson walks, the Giants would need to replace that production-and Moore could be that guy. While he’s a different type of receiver, the idea would be to pair Moore’s veteran savvy and outside presence with Nabers’ explosiveness, giving the Giants a balanced, versatile receiving corps.
The Bears’ Situation: Why Moore Might Be Available
So why would Chicago be willing to part with Moore?
It comes down to roster construction and cap management. The Bears have two young, ascending receivers in Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, both on rookie deals and combining for over 1,300 yards last season. With Moore set to carry a $28.5 million cap hit in 2026, GM Ryan Poles may see an opportunity to clear space-potentially saving $12 million by moving Moore-and reinvest in a defense that had its struggles.
That opens the door for a team like the Giants to swoop in.
Making the Money Work
Moore’s contract is no small hurdle. Here’s the breakdown for 2026:
- Base Salary: $23.49 million (fully guaranteed)
- Roster Bonus: $765,000 (per-game active bonus)
- Workout Bonus: $250,000
That’s a hefty price tag, but there’s a path to making it work. The Giants could execute a trade-and-restructure deal-converting much of that base salary into a signing bonus and tacking on void years. That would drop Moore’s cap hit for 2026 into the $6-8 million range, pushing the bulk of the cost into 2027 and 2028, when the team is projected to have over $128 million in cap space.
It’s a creative but realistic solution-and one that mirrors the kind of calculated risk Joe Schoen has taken before (think Darren Waller).
Strategic Fit in a Shallow Market
Let’s zoom out for a second. This year’s free-agent WR class isn’t exactly stacked, and the draft doesn’t offer a ton of plug-and-play options beyond the top names. If the Giants want to use their No. 5 overall pick on a premium position-say, a pass rusher or offensive tackle-then adding a proven wideout like Moore via trade could be the smarter play.
He’s available, he’s durable, and he still has juice. And with Nabers potentially needing extra time to get back to 100%, Moore gives the Giants a Week 1-ready option who can step in and deliver from Day 1.
For a team trying to take the next step, that kind of move could be the difference between treading water and making a real push in the NFC East.
Bottom Line
DJ Moore may not be the flashiest name on the market, but in a year where the options are thin and the stakes are high, he could be exactly what the Giants need: a steady, proven veteran who raises the floor of the offense and helps unlock the ceiling of their young quarterback.
If the price is right-and if Wan’Dale Robinson walks-don’t be surprised if Moore ends up in blue.