SURPRISING: Chicago Bears Trade $110 Million Playmaker DJ Moore After Drafting Luther Burden Last Month.
In a move that has shocked the NFL community and sent waves through Chicago, the Bears have traded wide receiver DJ Moore, just a month after selecting standout wideout Luther Burden III in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Moore, 28, had been a centerpiece of the Bears’ offense since arriving in the blockbuster trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in 2023. Signed to a $110 million extension last year, Moore posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and quickly became a fan favorite in the Windy City.
SURPRISING: Chicago Bears Trade $110 Million Playmaker DJ Moore After Drafting Luther Burden Last Month.
According to league insiders, the Bears sent Moore to the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a veteran defensive starter. The team has yet to confirm full trade details, but sources indicate that the front office saw an opportunity to reset financially and build around the younger Burden, who impressed scouts with his explosiveness at Missouri.
Burden, known for his elite route-running and YAC (yards after catch) ability, is expected to step into a starting role alongside Darnell Mooney and newly acquired veteran WR.
Bears GM Ryan Poles addressed the media briefly after news broke, stating, “DJ is a tremendous talent and leader, and this was an incredibly difficult decision. But we believe in Luther’s upside and wanted to build a roster with long-term balance and flexibility.”
Fans and analysts are split on the move. Some praise the bold vision of the Bears’ front office, while others criticize trading away a proven star with clear chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams.
DJ Moore, for his part, posted a short message on social media: “Nothing but love for Chicago. Grateful for the fans, my teammates, and the city. On to the next chapter.”