JUST IN: After defeating the Raiders and Saints for the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears shock the whole NFL world by acquiring dominant wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Amari Cooper.

In a move that has stunned the NFL world, the Chicago Bears—fresh off back-to-back victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints—have dramatically reshaped their offense by acquiring veteran wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Amari Cooper. What was once seen as a rebuilding team with flashes of potential has now become a team to fear in the NFC. This blockbuster news signals Chicago’s full commitment to surrounding their young quarterback with elite weapons and launching a serious playoff push in the 2025 season.

The Bears entered the 2025 season under the microscope. After years of inconsistent quarterback play, questionable coaching decisions, and an ever-changing front office, Chicago seemed to finally stabilize under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. The drafting of a new franchise quarterback in 2024 signaled the dawn of a new era, and with the team starting the 2025 season 2–0 following wins over the Raiders and Saints, hope was cautiously beginning to build in the Windy City.

Then came the news that changed everything.

Late Friday afternoon, NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the story: “The Chicago Bears have acquired WR Tyler Lockett from the Seattle Seahawks and WR Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns in separate trades. Sources say the Bears are ‘all in’ on contending in the NFC.”

Fans across the NFL were floored. Bears fans rejoiced. And suddenly, the rest of the league took notice.

Details of the trades began to emerge within the hour.

• Tyler Lockett Trade: The Bears sent a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick to the Seahawks in exchange for Lockett, who had spent his entire career in Seattle. At 32 years old, Lockett brings veteran savvy, elite route-running, and consistent production to a Bears receiving corps that previously lacked depth behind DJ Moore.
• Amari Cooper Trade: In a separate deal, Chicago parted with a 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. to land Cooper, who had been the Browns’ WR1 for the past few seasons. At 30, Cooper remains a high-level technician with reliable hands and big-play ability.

These acquisitions pair Cooper and Lockett with Moore to form one of the most formidable wide receiver trios in the league.

What makes these moves so seismic is how quickly they transform Chicago’s offensive identity. Just one year ago, the Bears were criticized for having one of the least dynamic passing games in the NFL. Now, they’re overflowing with firepower.

Here’s what their offense looks like post-trades:

• Quarterback: [Name of Bears QB, likely 2024 first-round pick]
• Running Backs: Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson
• Wide Receivers: DJ Moore, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, Darnell Mooney
• Tight End: Cole Kmet
• Offensive Line: Anchored by 2024 first-round pick OT Joe Alt

The Bears’ revamped receiving corps gives their young quarterback an elite mix of explosiveness, route-running, and football IQ. DJ Moore remains the alpha with his combination of strength and speed. Cooper brings elite technical skills and red zone prowess, while Lockett offers a downfield threat and reliability in crucial moments.

The potential combinations and mismatches these receivers can create are nearly endless. Defensive coordinators will now have to gameplan for three legitimate No. 1 wideouts, which should help open up the running game and make things easier for Chicago’s developing offensive line.

This is not a typical Bears rebuild. This is a win-now approach.

By trading away high-value draft capital for aging but still productive stars, the Bears are clearly indicating that the development stage is over. The front office and coaching staff believe their quarterback is ready. They believe their defense, which quietly ranked in the top half of the league last season, is good enough to win. And they believe their window is now.

For years, Chicago fans have heard about the “five-year plan,” the “development curve,” and the “culture reset.” But these moves scream urgency and belief.

Beyond the stats and highlight reels, both Lockett and Cooper are known for their leadership and professionalism.

Lockett, in particular, has been praised for his mentorship of younger receivers in Seattle. He played a pivotal role in the development of DK Metcalf and was a locker room favorite. With 7,600 career receiving yards and a reputation for clutch catches, Lockett’s impact will be felt on and off the field.

Cooper, meanwhile, has been one of the league’s most consistent receivers since being drafted in 2015. He’s topped 1,000 receiving yards in six of his ten seasons and brings a calming presence to any offensive huddle. The Bears’ young receivers, including Mooney and rookie Tyler Scott, will benefit tremendously from his example.

The balance of power in the NFC North has taken a hit.

The Detroit Lions were seen as division favorites entering 2025, with a loaded offense and aggressive defense. Green Bay is in the middle of a mini-rebuild, and the Minnesota Vikings are still searching for long-term answers at quarterback.

With this trade, Chicago sends a loud message to its division rivals: We are not waiting for 2026. We’re coming for the crown now.

The Bears’ schedule suddenly looks more favorable with this offensive arsenal. Matchups that were once seen as toss-ups—against teams like the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Commanders—now lean in Chicago’s favor. Even showdowns with elite teams like the 49ers and Eagles don’t look as daunting when your offense can put up 30+ points.

Of course, these moves don’t come without financial implications. Both Cooper and Lockett carry sizable contracts. However, with their quarterback on a rookie deal and relatively low offensive spending elsewhere, Chicago has the cap flexibility to absorb both salaries.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Bears still have room to restructure if needed and can frontload or extend deals to manage future hits. The key will be balancing win-now aggressiveness with long-term cap health. For now, Poles has struck a bold but calculated risk.

Social media exploded after the announcement. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes, celebratory videos, and stunned reactions.

NFL Network’s Rich Eisen summed it up best:

“The Chicago Bears didn’t just get better—they flipped the NFC narrative on its head. This is a legitimate contender now.”

Even players reacted. DJ Moore posted a “” tweet shortly after the news broke. Khalil Herbert quote-tweeted the trade news with, “Let’s cook.” Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman chimed in on ESPN, saying, “I haven’t been this excited about Bears football since the Super Bowl run. This team feels different.”

Despite the excitement, there are questions:

• Chemistry: Can three alpha receivers coexist and share touches in a balanced offense?
• Injury Concerns: Lockett has been remarkably durable, but at 32, any injury could be a setback. Cooper has had some minor issues in recent years as well.
• Defensive Pressure: With a high-powered offense, the Bears’ defense will face more pass-heavy game scripts. Can their pass rush step up?

Still, the ceiling far outweighs the risk. For the first time in years, Chicago fans aren’t asking, “What’s the plan?” They’re asking, “How far can we go?”

The Bears’ next stretch of games includes home matchups against the Rams and Packers, followed by a road game in Carolina. All three contests are now winnable, and a 5–0 start is not out of the question.

If the Bears keep rolling, look for national media to fully buy in. Sunday Night Football flex games, playoff predictions, and MVP conversations for their quarterback could all be on the table by midseason.

The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world with two trades that nobody saw coming. By acquiring Tyler Lockett and Amari Cooper, they didn’t just improve their roster—they redefined their identity. Gone is the conservative, defensive-minded Bears team of old. This is a bold, aggressive team with an offensive arsenal that can compete with the league’s best.

And the rest of the NFL just got put on notice.