DJ Moore
Getty
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 17: DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears takes the field during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between the Buffalo Bills and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
For Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles, trading wide receiver DJ Moore away to the Buffalo Bills was not an easy decision.
In fact, he got flak from his own son for the trade.
“I’ve mentioned this before — my son is a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears. He was not very happy with me at all,” Poles said during a press conference. Regardless, he mentioned it was strictly a business decision and added that Moore is one of his favorite players.
“DJ’s one of my favorite players, will always be one of my favorite players. I knew that that was going to be tough for our organization.”
It’s easy to see why Moore was so loved in Chicago. Appeared in all 17 games in each of his three seasons in Chicago, amassing 3,012 receiving yards and 22 total touchdowns, game-winning touchdown catches, which turned into 2025 NGS Moment of the Year, the list goes on.
The reality is Moore was on a huge contract in a team loaded with talent at the wide receiver position, and he gave a blunt message on his feelings now that he’s in Buffalo.
DJ Moore Sends Message on Trade From Bears to Bills
DJ Moore said he felt his time in Chicago “ran its course” despite last season ending on a “great note.” He understands how the NFL works, and he’s ready to move on to a new chapter in his career.
“Last year was my first winning season, so I got a taste of what everybody has been getting a taste of here in Buffalo,” Moore said. “It was good. It was fun. The atmosphere was amazing. …I look forward to getting back there with the Bills and going further.”
During the press conference, Poles added more insight on why he decided to part ways with Moore after handing him a four-year, $110 million extension less than two years ago.
“There’s a financial piece of it, but you’re also looking at the room. And when you have Rome Odunze and how talented he is — I know he went through some injuries last year. You look at what Luther did. Again, that’s why you follow the draft board. I did not expect Luther Burden to be where he was, and he showed up and showed some big-time flashes. Every time that dude touches the ball, special things can happen.”
Poles also highlighted tight end Colston Loveland as someone who can ease the pain of dealing with Moore’s departure.
“And then obviously our tight end is a special player as well. So, with that said, you have to look at different moves that are going to help you continue to build your football team, and that’s what we felt like was best.”
Moore’s Farewell Message to Chicago
It’s always hard when a team trades away one of its most beloved players, and DJ Moore was a bright spot during a tough season in 2023. Regardless, he’s not on the team anymore, but he left a heartfelt message to Bears fans and the city of Chicago on an Instagram post:
“Chicago!!
I Wanna Say Appreciate all the love and support the last three years. My family and I were proud to call this place home and this community has been unbelievable to us. We will miss you all.
To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here. I gave my all every time I stepped on the field and hopefully I made you all proud with the way I performed. We have some unbelievable memories at Soldier Field and you all are a huge part of them!!
To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day. I’ll miss seeing you all at Halas Hall. You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!! I Appreciate you all.
& It’s Always F……
✌🏽💫”
Best of luck to Moore in Buffalo, and it’s time for Bears fans to see Odunze, Burden, Loveland, and the rest of the receiving core take their game to the next level.