The DJ Moore trade has become one of the biggest NFL offseason moves. The Buffalo Bills have reached an agreement with the Chicago Bears to acquire star wide receiver DJ Moore, giving quarterback Josh Allen a major new offensive weapon.
According to league sources, Buffalo will send a 2026 second-round draft pick to Chicago. In return, the Bills will receive DJ Moore along with a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Although the agreement is finalized, the DJ Moore trade cannot officially be processed until the NFL’s new league year begins next Wednesday.
This DJ Moore trade is expected to reshape Buffalo’s offense as the team looks to strengthen its receiving corps heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Financial Details Behind the DJ Moore Trade
The DJ Moore trade also includes significant contract commitments from the Bills.
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed that Buffalo will guarantee $15.5 million of Moore’s $23.5 million base salary in 2028.
Here is a breakdown of Moore’s contract structure following the DJ Moore trade:
| Year | Base Salary | Guarantee Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $23.5 million | Fully guaranteed |
| 2027 | $23.5 million | Becomes fully guaranteed next week |
| 2028 | $23.5 million | $15.5 million guaranteed |
These financial commitments demonstrate Buffalo’s confidence in the DJ Moore trade and Moore’s potential impact in their offense.
Reunion With Bills Head Coach Joe Brady
A key storyline in the DJ Moore trade is Moore’s reunion with Bills head coach Joe Brady.
Moore previously played under Brady during the 2020 season and most of 2021 when Brady served as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
Those seasons produced some of Moore’s best performances:
- Over 1,100 receiving yards in 2020
- Over 1,100 receiving yards in 2021
- Career-best 18.1 yards per catch in 2020
The DJ Moore trade could help Brady recreate that success with Josh Allen leading Buffalo’s offense.
Why the Bills Made the DJ Moore Trade
The DJ Moore trade addresses a major weakness for the Bills in recent seasons.
Buffalo’s offense has gradually shifted away from targeting wide receivers. According to league data, the percentage of targets to receivers has steadily dropped since 2020.
Bills Wide Receiver Target Share Since 2020
| Season | WR Target Percentage | NFL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55% | 22nd |
| 2024 | 57% | 21st |
| 2023 | 57% | 16th |
| 2022 | 63% | 3rd |
| 2021 | 68% | 2nd |
| 2020 | 72% | 1st |
Because of this decline, the DJ Moore trade became a logical move for Buffalo’s front office.
The Bills currently have several receivers but many unanswered questions in the group. Moore will join a wide receiver room that includes:
- Khalil Shakir
- Keon Coleman
- Joshua Palmer
- Curtis Samuel
The DJ Moore trade provides Buffalo with a proven No. 1 receiving option.
DJ Moore’s Career and Production
The DJ Moore trade brings an experienced and durable receiver to Buffalo.
Moore, who turns 29 on April 14, entered the NFL as a first-round pick in 2018.
He was traded to the Bears in 2023 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers.
Moore’s 2023 Breakout With Chicago
During his first season with Chicago, Moore developed strong chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields.
That season he recorded:
- 1,364 receiving yards
- 8 touchdowns
It was one of the best seasons of his career.
Production Changes After 2023
Following the 2023 season, Moore’s role began to shift.
In 2024, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the offense. Moore still finished as the team’s leading receiver with:
- 98 receptions
- 966 receiving yards
However, the 2025 season brought significant changes to Chicago’s offense.
The emergence of several young pass catchers reduced Moore’s role.
Key factors included:
- Rising tight end Colston Loveland
- Wide receiver Rome Odunze
- Rookie receiver Luther Burden III
As a result, Moore finished the season with:
- 50 receptions
- 682 receiving yards
Those numbers marked the lowest totals of his career.
Why the Bears Agreed to the DJ Moore Trade
The DJ Moore trade also helps Chicago manage its crowded group of pass catchers.
Two years earlier, the Bears signed Moore to a four-year, $110 million contract extension, the largest deal in franchise history for a receiver.
But with multiple young receivers emerging, Chicago decided that the DJ Moore trade would create flexibility in the offense and future roster planning.
Moore’s Durability and Key Moments
Despite a reduced role in 2025, Moore remained one of the most reliable players on the roster.
He played all 17 games, showing the durability that has defined his career.
One of the highlights of the season came on December 20, when Moore made a 46-yard walk-off touchdown catch in overtime against the Green Bay Packers.
Moments like that explain why the DJ Moore trade attracted interest from Buffalo.
What the DJ Moore Trade Means for Buffalo
The DJ Moore trade could significantly boost the Bills’ offense.
With Josh Allen at quarterback and Joe Brady designing the offense, Moore adds:
- Experience
- Route-running precision
- Deep-threat ability
- Reliability in key situations
The DJ Moore trade also mirrors Buffalo’s aggressive move in 2020, when general manager Brandon Beane traded for Stefon Diggs to transform the passing attack.
Buffalo hopes the DJ Moore trade will have a similar impact.
The DJ Moore trade represents a major step for the Buffalo Bills as they attempt to strengthen their offense ahead of the 2026 NFL season. By acquiring a proven playmaker with a history of strong production, Buffalo gives quarterback Josh Allen another elite weapon in the passing game.
The reunion with head coach Joe Brady could unlock Moore’s best performances again. Meanwhile, the Bears gain draft capital and roster flexibility. If Moore quickly adapts to Buffalo’s offense, the DJ Moore trade could become one of the most important moves of the NFL offseason.