As the Detroit Lions head into the thick of the NFL offseason and look to put a frustrating 2025 campaign behind them after missing the playoffs, a lot of effort should be paid to a defense that was tied for the 11th-most points per game allowed (24.3 PPG).
The Lions' defense will welcome any help it can get, even if it includes rival teams getting rid of their offensive playmakers. One player who has been a thorn in Detroit's side in the NFC North has been Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, but it does not sound like he is guaranteed to return to the Windy City, which would be great news for the Lions.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Thursday, the Bears have received calls on Moore (and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent), per sources. Moore's cap hit of at least $24.5 million in each of the next four seasons might be too much for the cash-strapped Chicago team, hence the trade buzz.
Moore may have been held to just six catches for 57 yards in the two games against the Lions in 2025, but he has had big games against them throughout his career. It is safe to say Detroit won't mind if he is out of the division moving forward, especially after the breakout season the Bears put together.
Lions Would Be Thrilled to See DJ Moore Leave the NFC North
The Lions may have had Moore's number in 2025, but his first two seasons in Chicago were a much different story.
In 2023, Moore went for 96 yards in the first meeting and recorded a TD catch in both games. He followed that up with 15 total catches and another TD catch in the first meeting between the two rivals in 2024, once again proving to be a go-to option for Chicago.
Between his time with the Bears and Carolina Panthers, Moore posted a 53-753-5 stat line — including four 90-yard performances — in nine games vs. the Lions, making it easy to see why those around Detroit would celebrate a trade.
The news of a potential trade involving Moore is not entirely surprising, given that the Bears made it clear they believe that Bagent is worthy of a starting QB position, possibly opening up the door for the organization to derail Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis' free-agent parade. Now it sounds like Moore, the second-leading receiver on the team (682 yards, six TDs), could be another trade candidate if needy teams can get him for a reasonable price.
The Lions' unfavorable cap situation — $9.6 million above the cap, per OverTheCap — could lead to several defenders leaving the Motor City next month, including Alex Anzalone, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Rock Ya-Sin. Regardless of who stays or goes, Detroit's defense will have an easier time handling Chicago's offense if Moore is no longer a concern.
To be fair, the Lions have won five of the six meetings with the Bears while Moore has been there, sweeping them the last two seasons. Even with Moore's reliability and consistent production, it hasn't prevented Detroit from taking care of business.
At the end of the day, the Lions will take whatever help they can get to climb back to the top of the NFC North. If the Bears' potentially trading Moore this offseason will help achieve that goal, head coach Dan Campbell & Co. will welcome such a move with arms wide open.