Most effective as an outside receiver, Moore will pair well with Khalil Shakir, who thrives as a shifty slot. The move immediately upgrades a Bills receiver unit that generated the ninth-fewest receiving yards by a WR crew in 2025 (2,107), per NFL Research. Adding a proven playmaker, who has shown he can flourish in the offense, pushes the rest of the receiver corps into more comfortable roles and ensures the Bills aren’t banking on Keon Coleman breaking out in Year 3. If that happens, it will be an added bonus.
Given the issues at receiver Buffalo went through last season, adding Moore shouldn’t be where it ends for general manager Brandon Beane. Acquiring another playmaker in the draft remains on the table.
Josh Allen carried too much of the load in previous seasons, getting him aid in 2026 is priority No. 1 in Western New York. Trading for Moore is a great first step. He might not be a field-tilting No. 1, but Moore can still be productive and gives Allen a player who can get open and stretch the field, something Buffalo sorely lacked a year ago.
Moore never looked comfortable in Ben Johnson’s offense, producing a career-low 682 yards on 50 catches with six touchdowns last season. With the Bears expected to lean more heavily on youngsters Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, Moore was movable.
The veteran wideout was slated to count $28.5 million against the salary cap in 2026, with $23.458 million in base salary. The trade saves the Bears $16.5 million against the cap with $12 million in dead money, per Over The Cap. The Bills, who were already above the cap threshold, will have to make moves to become compliant before the trade goes through next Wednesday when the new league year begins.
The Bears’ shedding cap space ahead of the new league year could portend a splash play from GM Ryan Poles, who hasn’t been afraid to make bold moves.