The Buffalo Bills are set to acquire veteran wide receiver D. J. Moore from the Chicago Bears once the new NFL league year officially begins. The trade, first reported by Adam Schefter, sends Moore to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick, No. 60 overall. Chicago will also send a 2026 fifth-round pick to Buffalo as part of the agreement.
The move provides Chicago with financial relief. According to OverTheCap analyst Jason Fitzgerald, the Bears will clear about $16.5 million in cap space once the trade is processed. However, that relief will not arrive until the new league year begins, meaning Chicago must still make additional roster or contract adjustments to become cap compliant before the upcoming deadline.
Bills Commit Major Money To Moore Despite Recent Statistical Decline And Contract Guarantees
Buffalo will assume the remainder of Moore’s contract, which runs through the 2029 season. The deal pays him $24.5 million per year with identical cap numbers throughout the contract. His 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed, and $15.5 million of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed on March 13. Reports also indicate the Bills are guaranteeing $15.5 million of Moore’s 2028 salary as part of the trade, though it remains unclear whether Buffalo will extend full guarantees to the rest of his 2027 pay.
Bills Acquire D. J. Moore From Bears In Trade Aimed At Boosting Buffalo Passing AttackMoore has built a reputation for securing strong guarantees throughout his career. Each of his first nine NFL seasons featured fully guaranteed compensation, and the latest deal structure could push that streak to eleven years.
Despite the major commitment, Moore is coming off a noticeable decline in production. He posted career-low efficiency numbers in recent seasons, including 1.44 yards per route run in 2024 and 1.24 in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Some of that drop has been linked to a crowded Chicago offense that featured emerging pass catchers such as Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden III.
Bills Reunite Moore With Coach Joe Brady While Seeking Immediate Offensive Receiving Boost
Buffalo had been actively searching for help at receiver. Reports from Sports Illustrated indicated the team explored potential trades for A. J. Brown and Alec Pierce before settling on Moore. His arrival also reunites him with Bill’s head coach Joe Brady, who previously coached Moore during their time together with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and 2021. During those seasons, Moore recorded 2,350 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 159 receptions.
Buffalo hopes that familiarity can help revive Moore’s production. The Bills’ receiving corps struggled for depth last season, with Khalil Shakir standing as the only Buffalo wideout to surpass 40 receptions or 500 receiving yards.
The trade signals Buffalo’s determination to strengthen its passing attack. Yet the sizable financial commitment and Moore’s recent decline raise questions about the long-term value of the move.
