- Tickets MARCA. Get the best tickets for NFL games at Tickets MARCA
- Bills. Josh Allen's gift of DJ Moore from the Bills could be a curse in disguise
The Buffalo Bills shook up the early 2026 offseason by acquiring veteran wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, a move already creating ripples through the organization, on and off the field.
The deal, agreed upon March 5 and set to become official once the new league year opens, is one of the first major roster shifts for a Bills franchise determined to push deeper into the playoffs with Josh Allen at quarterback.
Moore, 28, brings significant experience, including four 1,100-yard seasons, and reunites with head coach Joe Brady, who previously worked with him as offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers.
For a Bills offense that has lacked a true No. 1 receiving threat in recent seasons, this represents both a short-term upgrade and a signal of intent heading into free agency and the draft.
Behind the scenes, the trade triggered difficult personnel decisions. To make room for Moore on the 53-man roster and remain salary cap compliant, Buffalo released defensive back Taron Johnson, a mainstay of the secondary for eight seasons.
Johnson, 29, had been one of the team's most reliable slot corners and a standout on special teams, helping anchor Buffalo's defense through multiple postseason runs.
Roster dominoes: the impact on offense
The Bills also cut veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel, another roster casualty tied to Moore's arrival and broader salary cap strategy.
Samuel, who signed a three-year deal with Buffalo in 2024, appeared in 20 games over two seasons with 38 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Injuries and inconsistent production limited his role, and the team confirmed his release saves over $6 million in cap space.
The dual departures of Johnson and Samuel illustrate how Moore's acquisition sent a ripple effect through both offense and defense. Buffalo's front office clearly prioritized reinforcing the passing game as part of a broader strategy to maximize Allen's talent while navigating cap constraints.
The cost for Moore includes a 2026 second-round draft pick sent to Chicago in exchange for Moore and a fifth-round pick. The move must wait until the new league year begins to become official, primarily due to salary cap and roster mechanics.
This is not the only cap-driven challenge for Buffalo. The Bills are already balancing tight financial constraints while considering additional free agent signings to complement Moore and give Allen a complete arsenal of weapons.
What Moore brings and what's next
Moore's production dipped last season with the Bears, but he remains a proven vertical threat capable of stretching defenses and making contested catches.
His presence complements the shifty slot work of Khalil Shakir and the tight end duo Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, giving Allen a more polished outside option.
Offensive analysts see Moore as the missing piece for a Bills offense that struggled downfield in 2025. With running back James Cook emerging as a dynamic option, Moore can balance the attack and force defenses to respect both vertical routes and intermediate zones.