The New England Patriots will be looking to bolster their roster at certain spots this offseason, as they try to get back to the Super Bowl in 2026 and be on the right side of the scoreboard.
One position that will be under consideration is wide receiver, which makes sense as the Pats have a budding star in Drake Maye. New England received good production from their group of WRs this season, but they lack another top WR option to pair with or take over for Stefon Diggs.
Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown has become the crown jewel trade option for the Patriots. However, the Eagles haven’t outwardly expressed that they’re moving him, and it could cost a hefty price. Therefore, the Pats should explore other trade options at WR, such as DJ Moore of the Chicago Bears.
On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Bears have received calls on the veteran wide receiver. Schultz adds that Moore has over $23 million in guaranteed money for next season and is considered available for the right price by teams in the WR market.
Patriots Shouldn't Outwardly Dismiss Potential DJ Moore Trade
While Moore isn’t on the same level as Brown, for example, he could still give the Pats’ offense a boost in the passing game, as he has experience being the WR1 during his career in Carolina and with the Chicago Bears.
This past season, Moore’s production took a step back due to the emergence of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland. Moore racked up 50 receptions (82 targets) for 682 yards and six touchdowns.
This is a far cry from how the first two years of Moore’s tenure have gone in Chicago, where he had 1,364 and 966 receiving yards. That said, if the Pats were to trade for Moore, they would have him under contract until 2030, as he just signed a four-year, $110 million extension in July 2024.
However, Moore has a potential out in his contract after the 2027 season, allowing the Pats to cut ties at that point, per Spotrac. His cap hits for the next two years are pricey at $28.5 million, but New England is in a good spot with cap space (projected $42.7 million) to absorb Moore’s contract.
The Patriots likely wouldn’t have to give up a first or second-round pick in exchange for Moore, as they would potentially for Brown. New England has nine draft picks after the second round in the 2026 NFL draft, giving them a war chest to make multiple trades.
In terms of WR fit, Moore wouldn’t be a burner, even though he can stretch the field when given the opportunity. There’s no need for that when you have Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams; however, Moore can make those tough catches and be utilized on the short and intermediate routes for Maye.
While the Patriots would love to go big game hunting for A.J. Brown, they should monitor the market for Moore and see what the asking price is before saying no to the idea.