Chicago Bears Ben Johnson Admits Being Emotional After DJ Moore Trade
The National Football League regularly forces front offices to make difficult roster decisions. For the Chicago Bears, trading star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills represents one of those highly challenging choices. The move caught many fans by surprise, but the reality of roster management often dictates tough farewells. Head coach Ben Johnson recently opened up about the departure of his veteran receiver. He shared a candid look at the personal toll these business moves take on a coaching staff.
A Difficult Goodbye for Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson
When a team trades a locker room cornerstone, the impact stretches far beyond the field. Ben Johnson did not hide his feelings when discussing Moore’s exit from Chicago. The head coach admitted that the transition felt deeply emotional, especially when the receiver made his rounds to say goodbye to the coaching staff and general manager Ryan Poles.
“I love DJ. I got a little emotional when the trade happened and he came in and he made his rounds saying goodbye to the coaches and [general manager Ryan Poles] and his crew.“
“It hurts because I viewed him as one of the leaders. Yet the business is the business.”
Johnson expressed profound respect for the 28-year-old wideout. He explicitly stated that losing Moore hurts because the coaching staff viewed him as a primary leader for the roster. During his time in Chicago, Moore mentored younger players and helped establish a winning culture. His guidance proved vital during the 2025 season, helping the Bears secure an 11-6 record and their first NFC North title since 2018. Despite the heavy emotional toll, Johnson acknowledged the harsh reality of professional football, noting that business decisions ultimately take priority.
The Financial Reality Behind the Move
While losing a leader stings, the front office had distinct reasons for executing this trade. The Chicago Bears faced looming salary cap issues that required immediate attention. By sending Moore and a late-round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills, the team secured a 2026 second-round selection.
More importantly, this transaction frees up approximately $16.5 million in salary cap space. This newfound financial flexibility gives the front office room to maneuver. They can now negotiate necessary contract extensions or target specific needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Furthermore, the team initiated a clear youth movement on offense. While Moore posted incredible numbers in 2023 with 1,364 receiving yards, his production dipped over the last two seasons as the offensive scheme shifted toward younger talent. Moving his contract makes structural sense for a team building around its recent draft picks.
A Promising New Chapter for Moore
Despite the difficult separation, Johnson expressed genuine happiness for Moore’s future. The trade places the receiver in an incredibly favorable environment. Moore heads to Buffalo, where he reunites with his former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator, Joe Brady. Brady now serves as the head coach for the Bills, ensuring Moore enters a familiar and friendly offensive system.
Additionally, Moore gains the opportunity to catch passes from an elite quarterback in Josh Allen. Johnson noted his excitement for the receiver, stating that the Bears put him in a great spot to succeed.
What This Means for the Bears’ Future
Trading a primary weapon completely shifts the offensive dynamic in Chicago. The Bears will now rely heavily on their younger core. Wide receiver Rome Odunze, who benefited greatly from Moore’s mentorship, must now step into a prominent leadership role.
This transition officially hands the keys of the offense entirely to the youth. The coaching staff will spend the offseason reshaping their passing attack to maximize their remaining playmakers. Meanwhile, fans should watch closely to see how Ryan Poles utilizes the $16.5 million in cap savings. Whether they invest in offensive line protection or defensive depth, the Bears now have the resources to build a more complete, sustainable roster for the 2026 season.
