DJ Moore’s trade to the Buffalo Bills sparked reactions from Chicago Bears teammates, including wide receiver Rome Odunze.
The Bears’ move stunned many, partly because the veteran receiver signed a four-year, $110 million extension in July 2024. This extension was expected to keep him under contract with Chicago through the 2029 season. He also has four 1,100-yard seasons in his eight-year career and remains one of the league’s proven No. 1 receivers.
Despite a down season in 2025, Moore was healthy and still capable of producing at a high level. Chicago also has emerging wide receivers like Odunze and Luther Burden III, who could have flourished under his mentorship. Teams rarely trade a cornerstone veteran with years remaining on his deal while keeping young talent that could use his guidance.
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze reacts to DJ Moore’s farewell
After Moore learned the Bears traded him to the Bills, he shared a farewell message on Instagram. The 28-year-old wide receiver thanked fans, teammates, and team staff for their support over his three seasons in Chicago.
“Chicago!! … My family and I were proud to call this place home,” Moore wrote, reflecting on the connections he made during his tenure. “To the fans, you all embraced me with open arms from my first day here… To my Bears teammates, coaches and staff, I enjoyed going to work with you every day… You all made me grateful every day to be a Chicago Bear!!”
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Odunze responded warmly to Moore’s heartfelt goodbye, writing, “Much love fam🤞🏽.”
The 23-year-old wide receiver’s message reflected the strong bond and mutual respect between him and Moore. However, his post also drew comments from Bears fans urging him to step up after Moore’s departure.
“It’s your time,” a fan commented.
“They handing you the keys fam,” another said.
“Step up,” a supporter wrote.
“@romeodunze you were the #9 pick in the 2024 NFL draft time to play like it,” another commented.
Moore joined the Bears in 2023 in a trade with the Carolina Panthers and quickly became the team’s primary offensive weapon. He finished his first season with a career-high 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns. In the 2024 campaign, he recorded a career-high 98 receptions and six touchdowns, although his yardage fell to 966 yards.
His production declined further in 2025 as the Bears increasingly relied on younger offensive weapons. He finished with only 50 catches for 682 yards. But throughout the season, the veteran leader served as a mentor to Odunze and other young players.
Even as his production dipped, Moore’s leadership on the sidelines and in practice helped the rookies develop. His mentorship contributed to Chicago’s success in 2025 as the Bears finished 11-6 and captured their first NFC North title since 2018.
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