The Buffalo Bills made a significant move by acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, trading a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft along with a fifth-round pick. This transaction, reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, is set to become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Moore’s return to the Bills marks a reunion with head coach Joe Brady, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers during Moore’s most productive seasons from 2020 to 2021. Under Brady’s guidance, Moore recorded impressive statistics, including his career-high of 1,193 receiving yards in 2020. The Bills hope that this connection will reignite Moore’s performance in Buffalo as they aim for a Super Bowl title.
Despite the potential for success, the trade raises questions about whether Moore is the right choice for the Bills. The wide receiver, who will turn 29 on April 14, 2026, is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career. In the 2025 season, he recorded a career-low of 50 receptions and 682 receiving yards over 17 games. Notably, Bills receiver Khalil Shakir outperformed him, finishing with 719 receiving yards on 95 targets, a clear indication of Moore’s declining impact.
Moore’s underwhelming performance can be attributed to a coaching shift within the Bears’ organization. In 2025, head coach Ben Johnson replaced Matt Eberflus, which led to a reduction in Moore’s role. His total of 85 targets was the lowest since his rookie season in 2018. In contrast, Brady’s offensive schemes previously maximized Moore’s potential, showcasing his abilities with high target counts.
Despite his past successes, recent statistics indicate that Moore may not be fitting into the elite wide receiver category anymore. According to Pro Football Focus, he averaged just 1.22 yards per route run during the regular season in 2025, ranking 71st out of 97 eligible wide receivers. Observers noted a lack of effort in critical moments, as highlighted by former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who criticized Moore’s performance during a key play in the Bears’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Bills are banking on Moore being the missing element that quarterback Josh Allen needs to secure his first Super Bowl ring. Yet, the evidence suggests that Moore may not provide the impact that the team is hoping for as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the league year approaches, the effectiveness of this trade will depend heavily on Moore’s ability to adapt and perform under Brady’s system. The Bills, with high expectations, will be closely monitoring his development as they aim to solidify their championship aspirations.