The winds of change are blowing through the Windy City. Fresh off a spirited run to the NFC divisional round, the Chicago Bears are not resting on their laurels. Instead, General Manager Ryan Poles is signaling a willingness to make bold moves, with two of the team's established stars potentially on the trading block this offseason.
D.J. Moore's Murky Future in Chicago
At the heart of the speculation is wide receiver D.J. Moore. While speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Poles offered a tellingly mixed message about the veteran's status. He showered Moore with praise, calling him a great teammate and a consistently productive player the organization "wants here." However, Poles also emphasized that this is the time to explore "all the different scenarios" to build the best possible team.
This openness comes after a statistically down year for Moore, who recorded 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns across a full 17-game season. Despite being under contract through 2029, the GM's comments suggest the Bears are at least listening to offers for the talented receiver, acknowledging the difficult decisions that come with roster construction.
Linebacker Shuffle: Edmunds Seeking New Home
The potential exodus doesn't stop with the offense. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a solid 2025 campaign with 112 tackles and nine pass breakups, but he is entering the final year of his contract.
This move gives Edmunds a chance to find a long-term home while allowing Chicago to potentially acquire assets before he might walk in free agency. If a trade partner can't be found, the Bears could simply release him, but that would leave a significant void in the middle of their defense.
Filling the Void: A Familiar Face in the Mix?
Should Edmunds depart, the Bears already have a potential replacement in mind. The rumor mill suggests the team could pursue veteran linebacker Demario Davis. The connection is clear: Bears head coach Dennis Allen coached Davis during their successful tenure together with the New Orleans Saints from 2018 to 2024. Adding a leader like Davis could provide immediate stability and experience to the linebacker corps.
These potential maneuvers underscore a proactive, if not ruthless, approach from Ryan Poles and the Bears' front office. Making a playoff push has not made them complacent. Instead, they appear ready to leverage their current assets to reshape the roster for sustained success, even if it means parting ways with popular and productive players.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Will a team meet the Bears' asking price for D.J. Moore? Can Tremaine Edmunds find a suitable trade destination? One thing is certain: the Bears are open for business, and their actions could redefine the team's identity before the 2026 season kicks off.
