Based on rhetoric coming from the Chicago Bears, it appears more likely that wide receiver DJ Moore will be traded this offseason.
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If the Bears keep Moore this offseason, the team will have to commit $40 million in cap space on their books for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. With Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland set to earn more targets in the upcoming season, Moore’s value on Chicago should decrease.
Frankly, the Bears should absolutely look for a suitor for Moore as they try to add help on the offensive and defensive lines. Chicago needs a pass rush, and center Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement put another hole in the roster before free agency.
While Moore is a surplus of riches at receiver, the Bears would need another target for quarterback Caleb Williams if the team moves on from the veteran playmaker.
A familiar option for Chicago has emerged before free agency, and it might be a gift from former assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, now the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Falcons are set to release Darnell Mooney.
“The Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, sources say, with Mooney set to count $18.4M against the salary cap,” Rapoport posted on X. “Mooney, still just 28, has averaged better than 13 yards per catch in each of the last three seasons.”
The #Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, sources say, with Mooney set to count $18.4M against the salary cap.
Mooney, still just 28, has averaged better than 13 yards per catch in each of the last three seasons. pic.twitter.com/HwVyFwJ7AJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026
The Chicago Bears think highly of Darnell Mooney
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The Bears drafted Mooney in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He spent his first four seasons in Chicago, recording 213 receptions for 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Mooney opted to sign with the Falcons in 2024. He recorded 96 receptions for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns during his last two seasons.
Mooney would be an alternative option for the Bears if they have to move on from Moore. He’d be a cheaper receiver, but could play a smaller but key role in the receiver rotation as Burden and Odunze become the focal point at the position.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles liked what he saw in Mooney. Chicago reportedly tried to extend the receiver’s contract, but Mooney opted to test the free agency market and landed with Atlanta.
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