The Bears are reportedly considering trading DJ Moore in exchange for a $20.5 million star offensive lineman to strengthen their roster.

The Chicago Bears are in a state of flux, looking for ways to improve their roster and build a team capable of competing in the NFC. With a significant amount of salary cap space and a young, promising quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears are in a prime position to make strategic moves that could accelerate their rebuild. Recent reports have indicated that the Bears are considering trading their star wide receiver, DJ Moore, in exchange for a $20.5 million star offensive lineman to bolster an area that has been a weakness for several years—the offensive line.

While trading away a key player like DJ Moore may raise eyebrows for many fans and analysts, it reflects the organization’s focus on prioritizing the areas that most need improvement in their quest to become a playoff contender. The decision to trade a top-tier wide receiver for a high-paid offensive lineman speaks to the Bears’ belief that their success in 2025 and beyond hinges on improving their offensive line play and creating a more supportive environment for their young quarterback, Justin Fields.

The Bears’ Current Offensive Line Struggles

To understand why trading DJ Moore for a star offensive lineman might be a smart move, it’s essential to analyze the current state of the Bears’ offensive line. Despite significant investment in recent years, the Bears have struggled to find consistency along the offensive line. Last season, Fields was pressured on 38.4% of his dropbacks, the second-highest rate in the NFL. The lack of protection has not only hindered Fields’ development but also stunted the effectiveness of the Bears’ offense as a whole.

The offensive line’s struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players and a lack of cohesion. The team’s struggles have been especially evident in pass protection, where the Bears have allowed Fields to be sacked 55 times, the most in the NFL during the 2024 season. This lack of protection has led to an inability to sustain drives, which is crucial in a league that thrives on scoring quickly and efficiently. It’s no surprise that the Bears have been among the worst offensive teams in the league in recent years.

The Role of DJ Moore in the Bears’ Offense

DJ Moore was a key addition for the Bears in the offseason, acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers to give Justin Fields a legitimate number-one target in the passing game. Moore immediately became one of the Bears’ most important players, providing a downfield threat, excellent route running, and solid hands. Over the past two seasons, Moore has consistently put up over 1,000 receiving yards per year, making him one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL. He brings speed, toughness, and consistency to a position that has been a revolving door for Chicago.

However, while Moore has been a valuable asset to the Bears’ offense, the team’s inability to protect Justin Fields effectively has undermined his efforts. Fields has been under pressure for much of the season, and as a result, Moore has had to deal with fewer opportunities to showcase his skills. The team’s offensive struggles, paired with the glaring need for better protection along the offensive line, have forced the Bears to evaluate where they can make the most significant impact in the long run.

In a league where passing offenses tend to garner much of the spotlight, the Bears may feel that the biggest path to improvement lies in securing a more stable foundation for their quarterback. They could argue that improving the offensive line would benefit the offense as a whole, allowing Fields to be more comfortable in the pocket and, in turn, enabling Moore and other receivers to have more opportunities to make plays. In such a case, the decision to trade Moore for a high-priced star offensive lineman becomes less about sacrificing talent and more about taking a more balanced, team-oriented approach to the roster.

The Importance of Protecting Justin Fields

Justin Fields is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and his development is key to the Bears’ future success. However, no quarterback can reach their full potential without a stable offensive line to provide protection. Fields is a mobile quarterback, known for his ability to make plays outside of the pocket, but he needs time to read the defense and make his throws. The offensive line is essential to his success, and without solid protection, Fields will continue to be forced into uncomfortable situations, which can stunt his growth as a passer.

By securing a top-tier offensive lineman in exchange for DJ Moore, the Bears would be addressing one of their most pressing needs—pass protection. A star offensive lineman, particularly one with a $20.5 million price tag, is likely to be a high-caliber player capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact. Whether it’s a left tackle, a right tackle, or an interior lineman, the addition of a player of that caliber could drastically improve the overall offensive line play, giving Fields the stability he needs to develop into a more consistent and effective quarterback.

Furthermore, better offensive line play would open up the running game for the Bears, which is essential to their offensive scheme. With running back Khalil Herbert and rookie backs like Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer, a better offensive line would allow the Bears to establish a more consistent rushing attack. This would help to balance the offense and prevent teams from solely focusing on stopping Fields in the passing game.

Who Are the Potential Offensive Linemen the Bears Could Target?

The $20.5 million price tag for a star offensive lineman is steep, but it likely points to the Bears targeting an established, high-quality player. Several star offensive linemen fit this price range and could be available through trade. Here are some possible candidates the Bears could target:

1. Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)

Lane Johnson is widely considered one of the best right tackles in the NFL. Johnson has been a fixture of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line for over a decade, providing leadership and stability. He has been a key component in the Eagles’ success, including their Super Bowl win in 2018. Johnson is a dominant force in both pass protection and run blocking, and his experience and leadership would be invaluable to a Bears team in need of offensive line help.

The Eagles may be willing to part with Johnson to free up cap space or restructure their offensive line for the future. If they are willing to trade him, the Bears could look to add Johnson to help protect Justin Fields and stabilize the right tackle position, which has been a weak point for Chicago.

2. Orlando Brown Jr. (Kansas City Chiefs)

Orlando Brown Jr. is one of the NFL’s top left tackles and has been a key contributor to the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent success. Brown’s ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside has made him one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in the league. Brown is a dominant force in both pass protection and the run game, making him a perfect fit for the Bears’ needs.

If the Chiefs look to make moves to free up salary cap space, trading Brown could be a possibility. Adding a player like Brown would not only improve the Bears’ pass protection but also give them a reliable anchor on the left side of the offensive line.

3. Terron Armstead (Miami Dolphins)

Terron Armstead is one of the league’s most consistent and durable offensive tackles. Armstead has been a cornerstone of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line for years, and since joining the Miami Dolphins, he has continued to excel. Armstead’s experience, leadership, and ability to protect the quarterback in both pass protection and the run game would make him a valuable addition to the Bears’ offensive line.

If the Dolphins are looking to make room for other moves or restructure their roster, Armstead could be made available. Bringing in Armstead would solidify the left tackle position for the Bears and provide Fields with the protection he needs to thrive.

4. David Montgomery (Detroit Lions)

While not an offensive lineman, another option for the Bears is acquiring a versatile player like David Montgomery. As a former Bear and now a star player for the Detroit Lions, Montgomery is known for his leadership and grit. However, the more pressing area remains the need for line play, and Montgomery could aid in maintaining a good ground game.