NFL Free Agency Approaches as Trade Activity Intensifies The NFL news cycle is accelerating as teams prepare for the start of free agency on March 12, with multiple trades and player releases shaping the landscape. With less than a week remaining before the legal tampering period begins on March 9, teams are making strategic moves to adjust to the salary cap, which is set at $301.2 million per club. Among the most significant developments is the reported trade of star wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears to the Buffalo Bills. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills will send a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Bears in exchange for Moore, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick. Moore, who struggled under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, posted career lows in catches and receiving yards despite playing all 17 games for the Bears. The Las Vegas Raiders are also expected to release quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade, to free up $8 million in salary cap space while assuming $18.5 million in dead money. Smith’s lone season with the Raiders was marked by a league-high 17 interceptions, and his performance contributed to the team’s 3-14 record. The move aligns with the Raiders’ efforts to address cap constraints, as they will also reportedly release other veterans, including Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Vikings’ Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave, and Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Other notable transactions include the Houston Texans acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft picks. The Texans also plan to trade starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns, who have agreed to a $63 million, three-year extension for Howard.#buffalo_bills #chicago_bears #nfl_free_agency #d_j_moore #ben_johnson
Bills Agree to Acquire Bears WR DJ Moore, Sources Say The Buffalo Bills have reached an agreement to acquire Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade, according to sources close to the deal. The transaction involves the Bills sending a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Bears in exchange for Moore and a 2026 fifth-round selection. The trade is expected to be finalized once the new NFL league year begins next week. Moore, who turns 29 on April 14, will join the Bills as part of their efforts to bolster their wide receiver corps. The deal includes guaranteed portions of Moore’s contract, with the Bills committing to $15.5 million of his $23.5 million base salary for 2028. His 2026 salary, also $23.5 million, is fully guaranteed, and his 2027 base salary becomes fully guaranteed next week. Moore’s move to Buffalo comes after a season of fluctuating performance with the Bears. During his first year with Chicago in 2023, he had a career year, recording 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. However, his production dipped in subsequent seasons, partly due to changes in the Bears’ offense, playcallers, and quarterback. In 2024, he led the team with 98 catches for 966 yards, but his role diminished in 2025 as younger players like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III emerged. The trade also marks a reunion between Moore and Bills head coach Joe Brady, who previously coached him with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and 2021. Brady, now in his first season with Buffalo, will have the opportunity to implement his offensive strategies with Moore, a player known for his route-running and ability to make big plays. The Bills’ decision to acquire Moore reflects their need for consistency at the wide receiver position.#buffalo_bills #chicago_bears #dj_moore #joe_brady #josh_allen
Aaron Rodgers Claims Bills' Defense Has 'One of The Best Players in The League' The Buffalo Bills' defense is navigating a transition period, but veteran cornerback Taron Johnson remains a key figure in their plans. Despite uncertainty surrounding his role in the team’s evolving scheme, Rodgers’ recent praise has reinforced his value. The Green Bay Packers quarterback, who faced Johnson in a December 2024 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted the defensive back’s versatility and impact. Johnson, a 29-year-old nickel cornerback, has been a staple for the Bills since joining the team in 2018. Drafted in the fourth round, he has made 113 career appearances, including 87 starts, and averages 71.5 tackles per season. His ability to adapt to multiple roles—whether as a traditional cornerback or part of a hybrid linebacker scheme—has made him an essential piece for defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Rodgers, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, praised Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities. “I think Buffalo did this more than anybody, playing nickel to every personnel, because Taron Johnson is one of the best players in the league,” Rodgers said. “He’s one of the most underrated players in the league. He can play a box linebacker and stop the run and he can cover guys.” Johnson’s contributions have been evident on the field. In 2024, he recorded a crucial interception during a 23-20 road win over the New York Jets, and his presence helped secure a Week 13 victory over the Steelers. General manager Brandon Beane echoed Rodgers’ sentiment, noting Johnson’s adaptability. “The guy’s played nickel, but he’s also basically been half of a WILL linebacker just the way our defense was constructed,” Beane said at the NFL Combine. Despite his contract through 2027 and a $9.#aaron_rodgers #taron_johnson #buffalo_bills #green_bay_packers #jim_leonhard
