Speculations of a DJ Moore trade had been circulating for a long time now, as his place on the team had been in question. The Bears drafted quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in 2024. They also took tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden in 2025. As such, a veteran player like Moore always seemed to be on the way out of such a young offense.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Moore played his role well, helping to solidify Chicago’s passing game. That being said, trading him was necessary for the Bears to create cap space. Additionally, statistically, he had a dip in targets and usage, despite his clutch performances.
Last week, the Bears traded Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-rounder (no. 60 overall). By doing so, Chicago both secured a solid draft pick and saved over $16 million in salary cap space.
Now that Moore is gone, though, one question remains: who will step up and replace Moore as Williams’ new wide receiver one?
Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze started off his career strong with 734 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie year. However, last year, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot in October. This forced him to miss five consecutive games in the regular season. Although his opportunities were stunted, he still put up a solid 661 receiving yards in only 12 games.
Odunze has had his struggles with health and dropped passes in his very young career. Nevertheless, he is still clearly beyond talented, and as he approaches year number three, he has a real chance at taking the reins next year.
Luther Burden III
In his rookie year, Luther Burden exceeded expectations with a total of 689 yards and two touchdowns. He had explosive moments throughout the season, including a 35-yard touchdown reception against the San Francisco 49ers. Burden’s speed, agility, and great hands helped him become a more reliable option for the Bears’ offense.
His primary area of improvement is his route-running. If he can refine it, he could become a weapon from all over the field and maybe even could claim the wide receiver one spot.
Creating separation from defenders is crucial for receivers. Burden certainly has the speed for it, and if the route-running comes too, then the sky is the limit for him.
Jahdae Walker
Jahdae Walker made Chicago’s roster as an undrafted rookie and saw limited action during the 2025 season. He finished with only six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. Granted, he had very few opportunities to shine, but he showed plenty of potential that he could provide depth at the position.
Walker had one of the most memorable catches of the Bears’ 2025 season. When playing against their biggest rivals, the Green Bay Packers, he stepped up and caught a nearly last-second touchdown to send the game to overtime. If he can continue to come through in big moments, he could find himself on the field much more often. Then, maybe down the road, he could become one of Williams’ favorite targets.
No More Moore
Ultimately, while moving on from DJ Moore marks the end of a chapter for Chicago, it also signals the emergence of a new offensive unit surrounded by youth. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Jahdae Walker will have the opportunity to grow alongside quarterback Caleb Williams.
At the same time, Chicago’s tight end room could become a big part of the passing game as well. Last year’s rookie, Colston Loveland, brings size and athleticism and could quickly become the favorite target. Paired with Cole Kmet, the Bears have the potential to lean on both tight ends and the wide receivers. In doing so, coach Ben Johnson could form a balanced, dynamic, and incredibly dangerous offense.
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