NFL wide receiver DJ Moore expressed gratitude to the city of Chicago and its fans on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, following his trade to the Buffalo Bills. The announcement, made via an Instagram post, signals the finish of Moore’s three-year tenure with the Bears and marks a significant shift in both teams’ offensive strategies. The trade, which won’t be official until the start of the new league year on March 11, addresses a clear need for the Bills at the wide receiver position, even as opening opportunities for younger players in Chicago.
Moore’s message, posted on his Instagram account, simply stated, “Chicago!! I Wanna Say Appreciate all the love and support the last three years.” The post garnered 1101 likes and 59 comments as of Wednesday evening, reflecting the strong connection Moore forged with the Chicago fanbase during his time with the team. This trade comes after the Bills struggled to discover consistent production at wide receiver following the departure of Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season, with Khalil Shakir leading the team in receiving yards in 2025 with 719 yards on 72 catches.
Trade Details and Compensation
The Buffalo Bills are acquiring Moore in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. The Bears will also receive a 2026 fifth-round pick as part of the deal. This trade allows the Bills to add a proven receiver with No. 1 potential to their passing offense, reuniting Moore with Bills head coach Joe Brady, who previously served as the Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021.
Moore arrived in Chicago in 2023 as part of the trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, who subsequently drafted quarterback Bryce Young. During his three seasons with the Bears, Moore recorded 244 receptions, 3,012 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. While his 2025 season saw a slight dip in production – 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns – he remains a valuable asset for the Bills.
Chicago’s Offensive Outlook
The Bears appear to be positioning themselves for the future, with rookie tight end Colston Loveland and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden showing promise alongside second-year wideout Rome Odunze. The team’s decision to trade Moore suggests a belief in the potential of these younger players to contribute significantly to the offense. The emergence of these rookies has allowed the Bears to move on from Moore and focus on building around their developing core.
The trade also comes as Moore’s wife, Raven Moore, shared an emotional message following the news. The Times of India reported that she expressed her appreciation for the city and its fans in a heartfelt message.
The Bills hope Moore can provide a much-needed boost to their passing game. The team has not had a wide receiver surpass 850 receiving yards in a season since trading away Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season. Moore’s arrival is expected to give quarterback Josh Allen a reliable target and open up new possibilities for the Bills’ offense.
The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday, March 5, and will be finalized when the new league year begins on March 11. Fans reacted quickly to the news, with many expressing excitement about Moore joining the Bills and optimism about the team’s chances in the upcoming season. A video posted on the NFL’s Facebook page highlighted Moore’s move to Buffalo. See the video here.
The Bills and Bears are both entering a new phase in their respective franchises. For Buffalo, the acquisition of Moore represents a commitment to contending for a Super Bowl. For Chicago, it’s a step towards building a sustainable future with a young and promising core of players. The impact of this trade will be felt throughout the league as both teams prepare for the 2026 NFL season.
The next key date for both teams is March 11, when the new league year officially begins and the trade will be finalized. Further roster moves and free agency signings are expected to follow, shaping the landscape of the NFL for the upcoming season.
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