Sometimes, a playoff loss doesn’t just sting-it exposes. The San Francisco 49ers didn’t just get bounced from the postseason; they got steamrolled in a 41-6 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks.
It was the kind of loss that forces a franchise to look in the mirror and ask hard questions. And for the 49ers, the answers can't be subtle.
That game didn’t just reveal injury issues or a bad day at the office-it laid bare the limitations of an offense that had no counterpunch once defenses took away the easy throws. Now, with Brandon Aiyuk on his way out and the receiver room in flux, the 49ers have a rare chance to reset.
If the Chicago Bears are ready to move on from DJ Moore, San Francisco should be ready to strike.
Let’s rewind a bit. The 49ers’ 2025 season was a grind.
They clawed their way to an 11-6 record despite being hit hard by injuries-George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, all missed time. Kyle Shanahan leaned into his usual formula: versatility, efficiency, and just enough firepower.
It worked well enough to secure a Wild Card berth, where they gutted out a 23-19 win over the Eagles. But the following week, the wheels came off.
Seattle didn’t just beat them-they embarrassed them. It was the second-worst playoff loss in franchise history, and it sent a clear message: the current roster, as constructed, isn’t enough.
The offseason priorities are now front and center. Let’s start with the defense.
Somehow, the 49ers finished dead last in both sacks (20) and pressure rate. That’s a shocking stat for a team that’s traditionally built its identity around defensive line dominance.
Getting Bosa back to full strength will help, and the return of Mykel Williams is promising, but the numbers don’t lie-this unit needs reinforcements.
Offensively, the wide receiver situation is even more urgent. Aiyuk’s departure is all but a done deal.
Jauan Jennings is heading into free agency. Ricky Pearsall has flashed, but his availability has been spotty.
And after managing just 140 passing yards in that season-ending loss, it’s clear: this offense needs a difference-maker on the outside.
Enter DJ Moore.
Moore’s 2025 season in Chicago flew under the radar. He posted 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns-his lowest yardage total in years.
But that dip wasn’t just about performance; it reflected a changing offense that began leaning on younger receivers. His efficiency took a hit too, with a career-low 1.24 yards per route run.
Still, Moore stayed healthy, showed up in big moments-including touchdowns in both of Chicago’s playoff games-and proved he can still be a reliable weapon.
Of course, the lasting image of his season is the miscommunication in overtime of the Divisional Round-a route mix-up with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams that led to a game-ending interception. Combine that with a looming $28.5 million cap hit in 2026, and Moore suddenly finds himself at the center of trade talks.
For San Francisco, the path forward is clear. If the Bears are willing to move Moore, the 49ers should come to the table with this offer:
49ers receive: WR DJ Moore
Bears receive: 2026 second-round pick (No. 58 overall) and a 2027 conditional fourth-round pick
It’s a deal that makes sense for both sides. Chicago clears $16.5 million in cap space and removes their biggest financial commitment. San Francisco, meanwhile, gets a proven No. 1 receiver without giving up a first-rounder.
And make no mistake-Moore checks every box the 49ers need. He’s durable.
He’s physical. He’s produced in both structured systems and chaotic ones.
He’s topped 1,000 yards four times in his career. With Aiyuk gone, the 49ers don’t have a receiver who forces defenses to adjust.
Moore brings that back.
From a cap standpoint, the move is doable. Even with some dead money on the books, the 49ers are projected to have over $37 million in cap space.
Taking on Moore’s contract is a calculated move-it’s a bet on the now. It’s about maximizing what’s left of Christian McCaffrey’s prime and giving Brock Purdy a legitimate top target as he continues to grow into the franchise QB role.
Perhaps most importantly, Moore has shown he can deliver in the playoffs. Scoring in both of Chicago’s postseason games, he proved he can make plays when the lights are brightest. That’s exactly what San Francisco lacked in their loss to Seattle-a receiver who could win when the defense tightened up and the margin for error disappeared.
For the Bears, this isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about timing.
Chicago is projected to be over the cap in 2026, and Moore’s contract is the most straightforward lever to pull. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III emerging as the new core of the receiver room, Moore’s role is becoming more expensive than essential.
Trading him gives GM Ryan Poles the flexibility to address more pressing needs-like a defensive line that gave up 180 rushing yards in their playoff exit.
For the 49ers, this is about urgency. That loss to Seattle wasn’t just a bad game-it was a wake-up call.
The championship window is still open, but it won’t stay that way forever. Adding DJ Moore is a move that says this team isn’t interested in a slow rebuild.
They’re still in the fight. They just need the right reinforcements.
If the Bears are ready to deal, the 49ers have the assets-and the motivation-to make a move that could turn a postseason disaster into a pivot point. DJ Moore might not just be a trade target. He might be the spark that reignites San Francisco’s Super Bowl push.