30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 6 D.J. Moore
· Yahoo Sports
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2026 NFL season, Bills Wire will take a look at the most important contributors on their roster. The team has some cornerstone players who will be returning for another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo, and they'll have help from some new additions as well.
Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top-30 most important players on the roster. We'll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to what they'll offer in 2026, and tackle the most pressing questions surrounding them this coming year.
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Next on the countdown is D.J. Moore.
Background
Position: Wide receiver
Age at start of season: 29
Experience: Ninth year
2026 cap hit: $6,752,000
2025 recap
Due to being phased out of the Chicago Bears' offense for younger skill players, D.J. Moore had an underwhelming year in 2025 for a player of his status in the league. Over 2023 and 2024 in Chicago, Moore averaged 138 targets per year, but that number dipped to just 85 targets in 2025. Because of this, he recorded career-lows in receptions (50) and receiving yards (682). Moore still managed to find the end zone nine times over the year, including a touchdown in both Bears playoff games.
2026 outlook
Moore is looking to bounce back in a big way in 2026. While things were cluttered in Chicago, Moore enters a new situation in Buffalo where he is the clear number one X receiver for Josh Allen and the Bills offense. Moore and Allen linked up early to get work in ahead of training camp and they have had a good connection since camp started.
When asked at training camp what the key was for the two clicking right away, Moore said, "Constant communication... he was in (Los Angeles). I was moving houses and selling houses, so just communication wise and just getting out here early. Constant communication on the field... and we're just going to keep building."
The two's connection was on display in limited time together in the preseason. On just two drives against the Panthers, Moore caught three balls for 61 yards.
Biggest question: Will he take the offense to another level?
The Bills offense has lacked a downfield threat at the X position since moving on from Stefon Diggs, and while they have managed to be top-three in points per game over the last two seasons, someone opening up the offense over the top would make them even more explosive. Brandin Cooks was the latest to play the role and was able to make some plays, but Moore offers more upside as a playmaker.
The attention Moore will draw over the top from defenses should help teammates get open in the passing game, and also provide lighter boxes for James Cook to run.
30 most important Bills of 2026
Check back as we continue the countdown on our list of the 30 most important Bills ahead of the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 6 D.J. Moore