Halas Hall is about to undergo a regime change as the Chicago Bears search for a new head coach.
Potential changes in offensive strategy accompany personnel changes, and certain players in leading positions now might have far less responsibility in 2025. Some of the team’s best players might also be traded; ESPN’s Ben Solak has made a “big prediction” that the Patriots will acquire Bears wide receiver DJ Moore in the upcoming summer.
The Bears might test out a potential trade if Moore’s skill set isn’t compatible with Chicago’s new scheme or if the team’s new coach wants to acquire a different receiver. The New England Patriots, in Solak’s opinion, would make a sensible partner. Here is his whole forecast:
On January 6, Solak said, “The Patriots will put together a solid trade for a veteran receiver after trying (and failing) in the Tee Higgins market.” The two names that make the most sense are DJ Moore and DK Metcalf. Since the Patriots intend to trade out of the No. 4 overall pick anyhow, they won’t mind spending draft money on guys who can start right away.
DJ Moore is unlikely to be traded by the Chicago Bears at any point.
Last summer, Soon Moore agreed to a four-year, $110 million deal with a guaranteed $82.6 million. The organization’s and general manager Ryan Poles’ dedication to him is reflected in the extension. Poles is still the team’s general manager, and a new coach is unlikely to want to replace a player whose contract was recently extended.
Nevertheless, Moore’s deal is set up to be traded, and the Bears could save $20.9 million against the cap in a trade after June 1. However, the loss of a top receiver would be a powerful disincentive. Moore was the most targeted receiver for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who just finished a strong rookie campaign. He also led the team in catches (98) and receiving yards (966).
In addition to giving young quarterback Drake Maye a dependable and exciting target, the Patriots would immediately improve their receiving corps by acquiring Moore. Moore’s playmaking skills and experience could help the Patriots’ offence and hasten Maye’s growth, but Chicago would have to be prepared to let him go first. Trading Moore seems like a highly audacious move given his significance to Chicago’s offence.
In 2024, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams took his time getting to know Moore.
In 2024, when they played together for the first time, Williams and Moore struggled to establish a steady chemistry. In Weeks 8 and 9, Moore only managed six catches for 60 yards on 11 targets in consecutive losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.
Williams told NBC Sports that he finds his slow-to-develop relationship with Moore irritating.
“You have a really unique guy, and I find it annoying because he can’t connect and hit on some passes. I understand how annoying it is for him because, particularly as a wide receiver, you only have so many opportunities and the ball comes your way so frequently.
But as the season went on, their chemistry did grow. Moore had nine receptions for 86 yards in the team’s final game of the season, a 24–22 victory over the Green Bay Packers, and Williams connected with Moore for a pivotal score.
Although the 2024 season had its ups and downs for the Bears team, their late-season success raised hopes for a future collaboration that is more harmonious and fruitful. Therefore, Moore is likely to remain in the Windy City notwithstanding Solak’s prognosis.
