Caleb Williams’ second NFL season marked a significant step forward for the Chicago Bears after a challenging rookie campaign in 2024. The former No. 1 overall pick showed clear development under head coach Ben Johnson, helping guide Chicago back to playoff contention while establishing himself as the franchise quarterback the organization had long searched for.
Williams finished the 2025 regular season completing 330 of 568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also adding 388 rushing yards and three rushing scores. His production helped the Bears finish 11–6 and win the NFC North, marking one of the franchise’s most successful seasons in years as Chicago returned to the postseason.Â
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Throughout that playoff run, Williams leaned heavily on several trusted targets in the passing game. Among them was veteran wide receiver DJ Moore, who continued to serve as an important piece of Chicago’s offense. Moore appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 campaign and finished with 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns, frequently stepping up in key moments and providing Williams with a reliable option in crucial situations.Â
However, as Chicago prepares for the 2026 season, Williams will now have to adjust to life without one of those familiar weapons.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears are trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, though compensation is still being finalized. The move cannot be officially processed until the NFL’s new league year begins, but both organizations are reportedly pushing to complete the deal.
ESPN sources: the Chicago Bears are working to finalize a trade that would send WR D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
Compensation still is being discussed, and the trade cannot be processed until the new league year begins, but both sides are pushing to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/pMM4pvGFaZ— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
Moore’s departure would bring an end to a productive stint in Chicago. After being acquired by the Bears in the blockbuster trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina in 2023, Moore quickly became a centerpiece of the offense. Known for his route-running ability and yards-after-catch production, he provided stability for a young quarterback room during a transitional period for the franchise.
Before arriving in Chicago, Moore spent five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he established himself as one of the league’s most consistent wide receivers and recorded three 1,000-yard seasons. His ability to produce despite instability at quarterback made him a valuable asset and helped him maintain a prominent role once he joined the Bears.
While Williams will lose one of his veteran targets, Chicago’s front office appears confident in the young receiving core it has assembled. Former first-round pick Rome Odunze remains a major part of the offense, while the team added another talented playmaker when it drafted Luther Burden III in the second round last year during Ben Johnson’s first draft.
The Bears also boast first round tight end Colston Loveland, further strengthening the group of pass catchers surrounding Williams.
With those young weapons in place, Chicago evidently felt comfortable moving Moore as part of its evolving roster strategy. The trade now sends the veteran wide receiver to Buffalo while the Bears continue shaping the offense around their emerging franchise quarterback.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
