There's been a ton of noise, lately, around the idea that the Chicago Bears could (and probably will) trade wide receiver DJ Moore.
At the NFL Combine, general manager Ryan Poles was asked a few different times about the possibility of a Moore trade and, after hearing similar-toned answers, it seems inevitable.
If the Bears did, indeed, trade Moore, they would save $16.5 million in cap space for 2026. Now, of course they are over the cap as we speak, but if they happened to create more room (which they can easily do by a couple of other simple moves), let's take a look at just a handful of players they could pursue with that money.
The Chicago Bears could use money saved on a DJ Moore trade to bolster positions elsewhere
K'Lavon Chaisson, DE
If the Bears went out and traded for Maxx Crosby or took a defensive end in the first round of the upcoming draft, they'd be set with their starter opposite Montez Sweat. But adding someone like K'Lavon Chaisson as their third rusher would be a phenomenal move.
Once a first-round pick and viewed to be a bust after landing in Jacksonville, Chaisson has revived his career and has 12.5 sacks over his last two seasons, split between Vegas and New England. He would come in as a very inexpensive option, as Spotrac has his market value set at $9 million annually.
Kenneth Walker III, RB
As of right now, it sounds like D'Andre Swift is safe -- as he should be. However, this is the NFL, and we see crazy and shocking events take place on a regular basis. If, for some reason, the Bears parted with Swift (which would create a little more cap space, ironically), then Kenneth Walker becomes an immediate option.
Walker, this year's Super Bowl MVP, figures to earn top dollar among a running back free agent class that also includes Breece Hall and Travis Etienne. Hall seems headed for a franchise tag, and Etienne may end up staying in Jacksonville. We'll see.
But Walker's explosiveness would make him the perfect running mate for Kyle Monangai. His market value figures to be between $9 million and $10 million annually, depending on the outlet you trust most.
Bryan Cook, S
No one knows just what the Bears are going to do at the safety position this offseason. They could keep one of Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker, who are both set to become free agents. They could also try to get a little younger via the draft or someone like Bryan Cook, a free agent of the Chiefs this year.
Cook is a hard-hitting safety who would be best suited to play that strong role, sometimes near the line of scrimmage, and help out in obvious run situations. He figures to earn one of the top safety contracts this offseason, and he's still just 27 years old.
Read more: Why this realistic DJ Moore trade scenario would be devastating for Bears fans
His projected market value is $14 million or so annually, which makes him a little spendy. But this defense needs a makeover. We know that for sure.