Buffalo Bills trade for DJ Moore

The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move to strengthen their offense by trading for Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore. The deal reunites Moore with his former offensive coordinator Joe Brady, creating optimism that the talented receiver can rediscover his peak form. With quarterback Josh Allen leading the Bills’ offense, this trade could reshape Buffalo’s receiving corps and boost their chances of competing for a championship.

Details of the DJ Moore Trade

According to multiple reports, the Buffalo Bills will send a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears in exchange for DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick. Because Buffalo’s second-round selection is expected to be late in the round, the overall value of the trade is considered roughly equal to a high third-round pick.

The transaction cannot become official until the new NFL league year opens next Wednesday, but both teams have already agreed to the terms.

For Buffalo, this move represents a calculated investment in a proven receiver who still has several productive seasons ahead. At 28 years old, Moore is entering the stage of his career where experience and skill can still produce elite results.

Contract Situation

DJ Moore signed a contract extension with the Bears in 2024, and the Bills will now take on that deal. He is scheduled to earn $24.5 million per season from 2026 through 2029.

The financial structure makes the move relatively safe for Buffalo. His 2026 salary is fully guaranteed, and half of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed next week, meaning Moore will likely remain with the Bills through at least the 2027 season.

This contract structure allows the team to keep flexibility while still adding a top-tier receiver to the roster.

Reunion With Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady

One of the most intriguing aspects of the trade is Moore’s reunion with Joe Brady. The two previously worked together with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and 2021, when Brady served as offensive coordinator.

During those seasons, Moore delivered impressive performances. He recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including an explosive 18.1 yards per reception in 2020. Their previous success suggests Brady knows how to maximize Moore’s skill set.

With Brady designing plays and Josh Allen throwing the football, Moore could thrive in Buffalo’s aggressive offensive system.

Recent Performance With the Chicago Bears

While Moore was highly productive earlier in his career, his production in Chicago gradually declined. In 2023, he posted 1,364 receiving yards, demonstrating his potential as a top target. However, his numbers fell to 966 yards in 2024 and 682 yards in 2025.

Several factors contributed to the decline. The emergence of Rome Odunze as a major offensive weapon and the Bears’ increased reliance on tight ends reduced Moore’s role in the offense. By the end of the 2025 season, Moore appeared to be sliding down the depth chart.

Some observers even suggested the wide receiver had become disengaged at times during the season, particularly toward the final games of the year.

A Bears media personality summarized the situation by saying the move benefits both teams. Chicago gains salary flexibility and draft capital, while Buffalo receives a talented receiver who may flourish in a new environment.

Other Options the Bills Considered

Before finalizing the trade for Moore, the Buffalo Bills reportedly explored several other receiver options. According to Sports Illustrated, the team had inquired about AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles and Alec Pierce from the Indianapolis Colts.

Ultimately, the Bills chose Moore because of his affordability, familiarity with Joe Brady’s system, and the relatively modest trade cost.

History of Trades Between the Bears and Bills

This isn’t the first time the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears have completed trades in recent seasons. The two franchises have developed a working relationship over the past few years.

During both the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, the teams swapped draft selections. In March 2024, the Bills also traded offensive lineman Ryan Bates to Chicago.

These previous deals likely helped build trust between the front offices, making negotiations smoother for this latest transaction.

How DJ Moore Fits Into the Bills’ Offense

With Moore joining the roster, the Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver depth chart suddenly looks much stronger.

DJ Moore – Primary outside receiver
Josh Palmer – Starting boundary receiver opposite Moore
Khalil Shakir – Slot receiver
Keon Coleman – Key rotational option
Mecole Hardman – Depth receiver and special teams contributor

The Bills may still make additional moves at the position. Reports suggest the team could release Curtis Samuel, which would free up roster space and additional salary cap room.

Buffalo could then add another wide receiver through free agency or the NFL Draft. There is also speculation the team might re-sign veteran Brandin Cooks to add further experience and depth.

The Buffalo Bills’ trade for DJ Moore could prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason. The reunion with Joe Brady, the opportunity to catch passes from Josh Allen, and the relatively low trade cost all make this a smart strategic decision.

If Moore can return to his 1,000-yard form, Buffalo’s offense could become even more explosive in the upcoming NFL season. For a team with championship aspirations, adding a dynamic playmaker like DJ Moore may be exactly what the Bills needed.