ESPN Praises Bears’ DJ Moore Trade as One of Offseason’s Best
Chicago’s DJ Moore trade is drawing rave reviews from ESPN. A closer look at why the deal earned an A.
The Chicago Bears made one of the more aggressive moves of the offseason by trading wide receiver DJ Moore, and according to ESPN, it’s already paying off in a big way.
In a recent breakdown of offseason deals, ESPN gave the Bears an “A” grade for the trade, calling it one of the better outcomes across the league. Considering where Moore’s value stood just months ago, that’s a notable shift.
Why ESPN Believes the Bears Won the Trade
Moore entered the offseason with questions surrounding his role and production. After a dominant 2023 season in which he looked like one of the NFL’s top receivers, his impact declined over the last two years, and especially in 2025, his first season in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Moore had the worst season of his career in 2025, totaling just 50 catches for 682 yards.
MORE: DJ Moore Shares Emotional Goodbye Message to Chicago Bears Fans After Trade
The drop-off wasn’t just statistical; it raised broader concerns about fit and consistency.
Despite Moore’s stock slipping after signing a deal averaging $27.5 million per year, Chicago still managed to move him for a meaningful return while shedding a crippling contract. From a value standpoint, that’s a win.
The Financial Flexibility Factor for the Bears
One of the biggest reasons this trade graded so well is the cap relief.
The Chicago Bears were able to offload a large portion of Moore’s guaranteed money, giving them flexibility to continue reshaping the roster. That financial reset is critical.
It’s not just about moving on from a player; it’s about reallocating resources more efficiently.
The Emerging Offensive Core in Chicago
This move also signals a clear shift in offensive direction in Year 2 under Johnson.
Chicago is now building around a younger group of pass-catchers, with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland forming the foundation of the receiving corps. That trio represents the future of the offense, and the Moore trade opens the door to expanded roles and development.
Why the Return in the DJ Moore Matters
What makes this deal stand out is what the Chicago Bears received relative to Moore’s perceived value.
Even with his recent decline, the acquiring team took on a substantial contract structure, while also parting with a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Given the circumstances, that’s a stronger return than many expected Chicago to secure.
It reinforces the idea that the Bears sold at the right time.
Final Take
The Bears didn’t just move on from DJ Moore; they did it strategically.
They cleared cap space, reinforced their long-term offensive plan, and still walked away with tangible value in return. That combination is why ESPN views this as one of the best moves of the offseason.
