Ben Johnson makes personal admission on DJ Moore’s Chicago Bears exit

The Chicago Bears recently traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. The move sparked reactions not only from his teammates but also from head coach Ben Johnson.

Moore had become an integral part of the Bears’ offense, so the move caught many by surprise. Chicago agreed to trade him, along with a late-round draft pick, to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round selection.

The decision was largely driven by the need to address Chicago’s salary cap issues. Trading Moore will free up approximately $16.5 million in salary cap space, giving the Bears increased financial flexibility.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson admits difficulty in letting go of DJ Moore

Johnson recently expressed how Moore’s departure was a particularly difficult moment for him. The Bears’ coach, who holds deep respect for the star receiver, admitted the transition was emotional.

“I love DJ,” Johnson said, via Mark Carman of the CHGO Bears podcast. “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.”

Though he felt the sting of losing a veteran player, Johnson expressed happiness for Moore. The 28-year-old reunites with former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is now the Bills’ head coach.

“I think the best thing for him is, he’s going to a great situation,” Johnson said. “He’s got a history with Joe Brady. I think he’s very excited to play with another talented quarterback in Josh Allen. I think we’re putting him in a great spot.”

However, Johnson maintained that the trade was a necessary move for the team’s future. 

“I’ve been a part of some of those trades in my past where you move on from a guy and he’s not necessarily going to a great situation. I’m happy for him. Yet I feel like it was probably the move we needed to make,” he added.

 Moore joined the Bears in 2023 after being traded from the Carolina Panthers. He quickly emerged as the team’s top offensive weapon. The veteran wideout set a career high with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season.

In 2024, Moore increased his reception total to 98 but finished with 966 yards and six touchdowns. His production further declined in 2025 as the Bears focused on younger offensive talent. Moore finished the season with 50 catches for 682 yards.

Despite the drop in numbers, Moore became a key leader, mentoring rookies like wide receiver Rome Odunze. His leadership on and off the field was vital for the Bears’ success in 2025. His guidance helped the team finish 11-6 and win the NFC North title for the first time since 2018. 

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/ben-johnson-personal-admission-dj-moore-chicago-bears-exit/