One of the Chicago Bears’ most valued trade assets is a key offensive starter.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the trade market plays a crucial role in shaping a team’s future. Whether it’s making a move to acquire a star player or to stockpile assets for the future, the ability to strategically navigate trades can determine the success or failure of a franchise. For the Chicago Bears, who are in the midst of a rebuild and seeking to rise to contention, making the right moves in the trade market is essential. Among the most valuable trade assets for the Bears is a key offensive starter—a player who could fetch significant return value, either in terms of draft picks or an established player. This player is none other than wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who has quickly become one of the most intriguing trade pieces for the Bears.

Mooney, who was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has developed into a key contributor for the offense. While his skill set, particularly his deep-speed and route-running abilities, has made him a consistent weapon in Chicago’s passing attack, the Bears’ current position as a rebuilding team creates the possibility of moving Mooney to the trade market to bolster future assets. In this piece, we will dive into why Mooney has become one of the Bears’ most valued trade assets, how his departure could impact the offense, and what the Bears should aim to get in return for the speedy wideout.

Darnell Mooney: The Rise of a Key Offensive Threat

When the Bears selected Darnell Mooney in the 2020 NFL Draft, it was largely seen as a low-risk, high-reward pick. At Tulane, Mooney had displayed an impressive ability to stretch the field, showcasing great speed and quickness. The Bears, who had struggled to find consistent receiving options for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (and later Nick Foles), were hoping that Mooney could develop into a solid No. 2 or even No. 1 wideout.

In his rookie season, Mooney showed flashes of his potential, finishing with 61 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns. While his numbers were solid for a rookie, it was clear that he still had room to grow, especially in terms of his consistency as a route runner and his ability to create separation against top-tier cornerbacks. But his speed and ability to make plays deep down the field were undeniable, and they immediately gave the Bears’ offense a dynamic element it had lacked for years.

The 2021 and 2022 Seasons: Mooney’s Growth and Development

Mooney took a significant step forward in the 2021 season, establishing himself as the Bears’ most reliable receiving threat. Despite Chicago’s offensive struggles, he finished the season with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns—marking his first 1,000-yard season. Mooney demonstrated the ability to take over games, providing quarterback Justin Fields with a go-to weapon, particularly in deep passing situations. Mooney’s ability to stretch the field vertically also opened up opportunities for other offensive players, like tight end Cole Kmet and running back David Montgomery, to work underneath.

However, 2022 was a mixed bag for Mooney. He started the season strong with Fields, but midway through the year, Mooney suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss the second half of the season. Despite this setback, Mooney had accumulated 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns before his injury. His absence exposed just how dependent the Bears were on his ability to make plays in the passing game, highlighting how valuable he had become to the offense.

The Bears’ Rebuilding Phase and Mooney’s Trade Value

With Mooney entering the final stages of his rookie contract, and the Bears still very much in the early phases of their rebuilding process, the team’s front office must consider the best long-term strategy for the franchise. The Bears, under first-year general manager Ryan Poles, have taken an aggressive approach to reshape their roster, particularly in areas where they can stockpile draft picks and develop young talent. Given Mooney’s status as one of the team’s top offensive players and his increasing value around the league, it’s not out of the question that the Bears could move him to acquire additional assets for their rebuild.

Mooney’s combination of youth, proven ability, and contract status makes him an attractive trade asset. At just 25 years old, Mooney is entering the prime years of his career, and he’s proven that he can be a reliable and productive starting wide receiver in the NFL. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays is highly coveted in today’s pass-heavy league, where deep threats are always in demand. Mooney’s relatively inexpensive rookie contract—he’s slated to make just over $2.7 million in 2023—is also a huge selling point for any team looking to add a potential No. 1 or No. 2 receiver without breaking the bank.

This combination of factors—youth, productivity, and affordability—puts Mooney in a prime position to be traded. For a Bears team looking to add future draft picks to its arsenal, moving Mooney could provide the necessary capital to make other moves, such as adding key defensive players or bolstering their offensive line to protect Justin Fields.

What Could the Bears Get in Return for Darnell Mooney?

In any trade scenario, the value of the player being traded plays a key role in determining what the receiving team will offer in return. For Mooney, the Bears could reasonably expect a solid package of draft picks—potentially a second- or third-round pick, with the possibility of additional future picks depending on the demand for him on the market. The wide receiver market in the NFL is always robust, and teams looking to bolster their receiving corps will be interested in a young, proven talent like Mooney, especially when he can be added at a relatively low price in terms of salary.

Additionally, there could be some teams that are willing to part with a young player who might fill a need for the Bears—perhaps an offensive lineman or defensive playmaker who can help address some of Chicago’s key weaknesses. While draft picks would be the primary currency in a trade for Mooney, the possibility of receiving a player in return should not be ruled out. This could provide the Bears with a ready-made contributor who can help speed up the rebuilding process.

The Impact of Trading Mooney on the Bears’ Offense

While trading Mooney could provide the Bears with important assets for the future, it would undoubtedly have an impact on their offense in the short term. Mooney has been a reliable and consistent option for Justin Fields, and losing him would leave a void in the Bears’ receiving corps. However, this could also create an opportunity for other players to step up. The Bears have several young receivers—such as Chase Claypool, who was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and rookie Velus Jones Jr.—who could see expanded roles if Mooney is moved.

In particular, Claypool, who was brought in to be a potential No. 1 receiver, would likely be asked to take on a larger role in the offense if Mooney is traded. Claypool has shown flashes of his potential, but he has yet to develop the consistency needed to be a reliable top target. Trading Mooney would place additional pressure on Claypool to step into that role and give Fields a viable downfield threat.

Additionally, the Bears could look to the draft or free agency to add a new weapon to the receiving corps. The 2023 NFL Draft features a strong wide receiver class, and the Bears could use their high draft picks to select a dynamic playmaker who could contribute immediately. The move could ultimately open up opportunities for the Bears to get more creative in building their offense for the future.

Is It the Right Time to Trade Mooney?

While there are strong arguments in favor of trading Mooney, the decision to do so ultimately depends on the Bears’ long-term vision. If the team is committed to continuing its rebuild, with the goal of adding as many high-quality assets as possible, then moving Mooney makes sense. His trade value is likely at its peak right now, and capitalizing on that while he’s still on a rookie deal could give the Bears the ammunition they need to accelerate their rebuild.

On the other hand, trading away one of the team’s most reliable offensive players could be seen as a step backward in terms of the development of Justin Fields. If the Bears are planning to build around Fields as their franchise quarterback, they will need to ensure that he has enough weapons to succeed. Losing Mooney, one of the few established playmakers on offense, could hinder Fields’ growth in the short term, especially as the team works to improve the overall offensive line and running game.

 A Strategic Decision for the Future

Ultimately, the decision to trade Darnell Mooney will come down to what the Bears feel is the best move for their future. Trading a young, talented receiver like Mooney would leave a hole in the Bears’ receiving corps but could also provide the team with much-needed assets to continue their rebuild. The Bears are in a position where they need to make smart, calculated moves to accelerate their path to contention, and trading Mooney could be the kind of bold decision that helps propel them forward in the long run.

For now, the Bears must carefully weigh the pros and cons of trading Mooney, considering not only the immediate impact on the offense but also the potential long-term benefits of acquiring more draft picks or players. While it may be painful to part with a talented player, such a move could be the right step toward building a more complete, competitive roster in the future. If the right trade offer comes along, the Bears could very well make the move that changes the course of their rebuild and brings them closer to their ultimate goal of contending for championships in the near future.