With all of the talk, lately, about a possible DJ Moore trade, Chicago Bears fans are bracing for an inevitable deal to be done. It feels as though it's only a matter of time.
We've talked about why it makes sense in some other recent pieces, even covering Ryan Poles' recent comments on the matter, but let's go into what a trade would look like and where he might land.
Of course, picturing Moore in any other NFC North uniform would be hard to stomach. But let's think a little further beyond that type of idea.
There are some whispers, lately, that the San Francisco 49ers may entertain a reunion with Deebo Samuel this offseason. As it happens, Moore has many similar strengths. And, the 49ers have a need at the position.
A DJ Moore-49ers trade would be counterproductive for Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears
We know the Niners have never been shy about making moves. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan go by the beat of their own drum. So, what happens if the Bears' best offer came in from San Francisco?
The Bears lost a narrow shootout to the 49ers last year, and both squads will undoubtedly look to improve in key areas this offseason. Moore likely won't want to go to a rebuilding franchise, and one would think Poles will try to do right by Moore in the event of a trade.
But the Niners would be a hard destination for Bears fans to accept. San Francisco will always be in the postseason conversation, and, judging by last year's matchup, these two teams could be in line for more fireworks in the coming years with their young quarterbacks and head coaches locked in.
The last thing Poles wants to do, with a Moore trade, is to send him to another NFC contender. That simply cannot happen.
Instead, the ideal scenario is for Chicago to deal Moore to an AFC contender. Of course, the easy answer here is the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been starved of a true no. 1 wide receiver since the Tyreek Hill trade.
But what about a team like the Baltimore Ravens? Giving Lamar Jackson the legitimate no. 1 wideout he's craved for so long feels like a match made in heaven.
The Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers also make sense, but we don't want to picture Moore catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, even if it is just for one season.
Read more: Even more Ryan Poles trade comments should have Bears fans ready to buckle up
The point is, a trade to the 49ers would be far less than ideal for Bears fans. Getting the best value in return for Moore is important, but there's a line that cannot be crossed, and that line would be sending Moore to a fellow NFC contender.