CHICAGO — The “DJ Moore Era” in the Windy City came to a sudden and emotional conclusion on Thursday night. Just hours after the Chicago Bears sent shockwaves through the NFL by trading their star wide receiver to the Buffalo Bills, Moore took to social media to pen a poignant goodbye to the city, the fans, and the teammates he called family for the past three seasons.
The trade, a classic “cap-cutting” maneuver by a Bears front office looking to pivot toward future flexibility, marks a massive shift in the NFC North landscape. In exchange for Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick, the Bears received a 2026 second-round selection from Buffalo.
A Message of Gratitude
Moore, who has been the undisputed focal point of the Bears’ passing attack since his arrival in 2023, didn’t let the night end without addressing the city that embraced him.
“Appreciate all the love and support the last three years,” Moore wrote in a post that quickly went viral across Bears Twitter. “My family and I were proud to call this place home and this community has been unbelievable to us. We will miss you all.”
Moore’s tenure in Chicago was defined by reliability and high-level production amidst a rotating cast of quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. His connection with the fans at Soldier Field was immediate, something he specifically highlighted in his farewell.
“To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here,” the message continued. “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!”
One Last Jab at the Rivalry
While the tone of the post was overwhelmingly sentimental, Moore couldn’t resist leaning into the Chicago-Green Bay rivalry one final time. In a subtle “passing shot” that delighted the local faithful, Moore concluded his message with a nod toward his disdain for the Packers, ensuring his legacy as a “true Bear” remained intact even as he prepares to head to Western New York.
“To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day,” Moore said. “I’ll miss seeing you all at Halas Hall. You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear! Appreciate you all.”
The Buffalo Fit: A New Weapon for Josh Allen
While Chicago mourns the loss of a fan favorite, the mood in Buffalo is one of pure jubilation. For the Bills, acquiring a receiver of Moore’s caliber is a “win-now” statement.
Moore joins a Buffalo offense that has been searching for a consistent, elite vertical threat to pair with Josh Allen’s cannon arm. With Moore’s ability to create separation and his proven track record of 1,000-yard seasons, the Bills’ offense instantly becomes one of the most formidable units in the AFC.
Why the Bears Moved On
From the Chicago perspective, the move is a harsh reminder of the business side of professional football. By moving Moore’s contract, the Bears clear significant cap space for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. With a roster still in a state of transition, GM Ryan Poles chose the draft capital—a valuable second-round pick—over the immediate production of a veteran receiver.
However, the move leaves a massive void in the Chicago huddle. Moore wasn’t just a playmaker; he was the veteran leader of a young receiving corps. Finding a way to replace his 90+ catches and 1,200+ yards per season will be the primary challenge for the Bears as they head into the 2026 Draft.
DJ Moore in Chicago: By the Numbers
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96 | 1,364 | 8 |
| 2024 | 88 | 1,150 | 6 |
| 2025 | 91 | 1,210 | 7 |
| Total | 275 | 3,724 | 21 |
What’s Next for Chicago?
The Bears now hold significant draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft, including multiple picks in the first two rounds. All eyes now turn to free agency and the draft board to see how the team intends to support their young core without their #1 target.
As for Moore, he heads to a Super Bowl contender, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and highlight-reel catches that Chicago fans won’t soon forget.
Following the blockbuster news of DJ Moore’s trade to the Buffalo Bills, here is a breakdown of the key facts, contract details, and the timeline of his tenure in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the official trade details?
The Chicago Bears traded WR DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick (No. 60 overall).
- Reference: Sports Illustrated
Why did the Bears decide to trade Moore?
The move was primarily a cap-cutting measure. Moore was scheduled for a $28.5 million cap hit in 2026. By trading him, the Bears cleared approximately $16.5 million in cap space. Additionally, the emergence of younger pass-catchers like Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland made Moore’s high salary less justifiable for the team’s long-term vision.
What does his contract look like in Buffalo?
Moore is under contract through the 2029 season. His base salary for 2026 is $23.5 million, which is fully guaranteed. The Bills also reportedly guaranteed $15.5 million of his 2028 salary as part of the transition.
- Reference: TSN | OverTheCap
Who will he be reuniting with in Buffalo?
Moore reunites with Bills Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady. The two worked together in Carolina during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where Moore produced some of his best career numbers, including a career-high 18.1 yards per catch in 2020.
- Reference: NFL.com
DJ Moore: The Chicago Timeline (2023–2026)
- March 2023: Acquired by the Bears from the Carolina Panthers as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade for the No. 1 overall pick.
- 2023 Season: Records a career-high 1,364 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, immediately becoming the team’s undisputed WR1 and a fan favorite.
- July 2024: Signs a massive four-year, $110 million contract extension, the largest in Bears franchise history.
- 2024 Season: Continues his dominance with 98 receptions for 966 yards, leading the team in receiving during Caleb Williams’ rookie year.
- January 2025: Catches a 46-yard walk-off touchdown in overtime to defeat the Green Bay Packers, cementing his “Packer-killer” status.
- 2025 Season: Production dips to a career-low 682 yards as the offense shifts toward younger targets, though he remains a key veteran leader.
- December 2025: Named the Bears’ winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his community work through the Moore2Life Foundation.
- March 5, 2026: Traded to the Buffalo Bills; pens an emotional farewell to Chicago on Instagram that same night.