The Detroit Lions have seen multiple changes this week in the NFC North that could impact the division race next season. They’ve watched the Minnesota Vikings reportedly part ways with three key veterans, and the Chicago Bears suddenly lose their starting center to retirement.
Fans in Detroit were already happy to see the Bears take a loss along the offensive line, considering that they won the division in Ben Johnson’s first year. Now, those same Lions fans are likely over the moon now that they don’t have to face veteran wide receiver DJ Moore anymore, either.
On Thursday, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that the Bears have agreed to ship out Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Without Moore, the Lions’ defensive focus on the outside narrows to Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze, which is terrific.
However, not having Moore on their roster anymore should free up more money for Chicago to pursue a star defensive end like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, which would be another hurdle for the Lions to climb over.
Lions Hoping Bears Don’t Pursue Star EDGE Following DJ Moore Trade
In a radio hit on 104.3 The Score on Wednesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune discussed the possible roadmap for the Bears if they traded Moore. He mentioned that the trade would create $16.5 million in cap space to pursue one or two different players.
The Lions hope the Bears’ next offseason objective is not a move for Crosby or Hendrickson, especially since Detroit also could use more pass-rush help this offseason. Detroit has a star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, who is on the same level as Crosby and Hendrickson.
However, Hutchinson needs help for this defense to take another step. One way to help him is to re-sign Al-Quadin Muhammad or go after Crosby or Hendrickson. That said, Detroit doesn’t have the necessary cap space to do that.
According to Over The Cap, the Lions are still $6.5 million over the salary cap. They would have to do a lot of maneuvering to get one of those guys. The Bears don’t have that problem, thanks to having a rookie QB under contract, which allows them to take big swings at other positions. On top of that financial flexibility, the Bears will have two second-round picks and four within the top-100 to sweeten any potential deal for Crosby.
Chicago’s defense was missing a game-changing pass rusher in 2025, as it was ranked 24th in sacks (35). Imagine if the Bears were able to get their hands on Crosby, who has recorded at least 10 sacks in three out of the last four years. Or Hendrickson, who had a down 2025 season (four sacks), but also had back-to-back seasons in 2023 and 2024 with 17.5 sacks apiece.
Either pass rusher can shift the tide in the NFC North in 2026, which would not be good for the Lions, despite them having a fourth-place schedule and a starting good offensive tackle duo in Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.
Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what else happens over the next several days, as the Lions could be further behind the Bears in the NFC North.