With the Chicago Bears expected to make changes to their roster this offseason, the New England Patriots could take advantage of the situation by pursuing one of Chicago’s top assets.
Under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots are focused on strengthening their offense around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and improving the wide receiver position is a priority. Sports Illustrated’s Alan Goldsher suggests that New England should target 27-year-old wideout D.J. Moore.
Goldsher proposes a trade that would send Moore and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for tight end Hunter Henry and a 2025 second-round pick (No. 38 overall).
He argues that New England’s current wide receiver group, led by DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, lacks a true number-one option. Goldsher believes general manager Eliot Wolf would be eager to provide Maye with a high-caliber target like Moore and questions whether Wolf would be willing to part with a second-round pick to make it happen.
However, it’s unclear why the Bears would consider moving on from Moore, especially as they aim to develop their offense around Caleb Williams.
Despite Moore’s undeniable talent, Goldsher notes that he has yet to prove he can contribute to a winning team, which could make him expendable in Chicago’s eyes. He suggests that unless Moore can help the team achieve success—something his track record doesn’t yet support—trading him might be worth considering. Goldsher compares Moore to Charles Barkley, calling him a “stat monster” who, for reasons unknown, hasn’t been able to lead his teams to victory.
While football is a team sport and placing too much emphasis on an individual’s win-loss record might be unfair, Moore’s 40-64 career record doesn’t exactly stand out in a positive light.
The question remains whether Bears GM Ryan Poles should consider trading Moore or if doing so would further weaken a team that struggled significantly in 2024.
