The Chicago Bears are sending DJ Moore in Buffalo’s direction, alongside a fifth-round pick for this year’s draft. In exchange, they’re getting a second-round pick that allows them to draft a younger wide receiver they can rely on for the foreseeable future, and they free up some much-needed cap space.
How much cap space does it free up? Around $16.5 million for 2026. They will have a $12 million dead cap hit in 2026 for the money they have already paid him. It’s not only how much they’re reducing, but how much he will not count towards their 2026 books. He would have added a $28.5 million ($16.5 million + $12 million) cap hit this year had he stayed.
The Bears started the offseason $11 million over the cap limit, but now, by offloading DJ Moore and after Drew Dalman’s retirement, they have $18.1 million in salary cap space. However, more is likely to come. According to reports, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson expect to clear between $30 and $70 million in cap space before the new league year officially starts on March 11.
Why Are the Buffalo Bills Trading For DJ Moore?
In short, they need a new wide receiver. Josh Allen and the Bills have been without a true WR1 since Stefon Diggs’ departure in 2023. The absence of a high-production wide receiver has been felt by the team, and particularly by Allen, who has not thrown over 4000 yards in the last two seasons.
Some worry about Moore and if he’s the man to bring that kind of production to Buffalo. He’s not the same player he was during his time with the Carolina Panthers, and he hasn’t recorded 1000 receiving yards or more since 2023 either. In 2023, he had 1364 receiving yards, and in 2024, he finished with 966.
The point of worry comes from his performance in the 2025 season, when he recorded only 682 receiving yards, a career low. However, he was productive, despite having fewer yards, with six touchdown catches, tied second for his most touchdowns in a single season. Regardless, the downward trajectory is evident. The Bills would hope this is a fluke rather than a permanent trend.
Khalil Shakir was Buffalo’s top receiver in 2025, with 719 receiving yards and just four touchdown catches in 72 receptions.
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