Getting down to it, trade rumors around Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore date back to early this season when head coach Ben Johnson appeared to call him out. The idea of an offseason trade has lingered since the trade deadline, and when it was all said and done, Moore set career lows in receptions (50) and receiving yards (782).
Moore got a measure of redemption in the playoffs, with a touchdown in each game, as he was more involved than he had been in any other two-game stretch all season (15 targets).
The last moment of the season has lasted, though. Moore appeared to slow down (or was confused), on the play that resulted in an interception from Caleb Williams to send the Los Angeles Rams to the NFC Championship Game. Subsequent analysis of the play and Williams' explanation invites nuance into the conversation.
But if a segment of Bears fans didn't want Moore gone before, because his role isn't in line with his salary going forward, they do now.
Moore has been a productive player throughout his career, so if he is available, multiple teams should have some level of interest. The Bears can also clear some much-needed cap space by moving him to a team that can give him a bigger role in their offense.
Bears have a new potential trade suitor for DJ Moore
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has offered three top potential trade targets for each NFL team. Moore is on the list of targets for a couple of teams, including the Tennessee Titans.
But the other team Ballentine honed in on as a possible suitor for Moore is a new one, and arguably more interesting.
"A veteran wide receiver might be on the Chargers wish list after funneling 122 targets to 33-year-old Keenan Allen this season. DJ Moore will be 29 this season and could work after seeing his role cut in Chicago with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden developing."
This side of Ladd McConkey, the Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of uncertainty at wide receiver. While Keenan Allen was still productive this season, just like he was for the Bears in 2024, 120-plus targets for a going-to-be 34-year-old are not ideal to repeat next season. While he presumably would like to be back with the team that drafted him as his career winds down, Allen is also a free agent.
The Chargers are trying to get over the hump while quarterback Justin Herbert is still in his prime. With that, surrounding him with the proper level of talent in a competitive AFC West is an ongoing mandate. Moore would be an upgrade to their situation at wide receiver, even if all of this season's depth chart pieces remain in place.
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If they want to trade Moore, the Bears are already in a position to play multiple suitors off each other to get a nice return. A team like the Chargers entering the mix would only be helpful on that front.