The National Football League is a business, and everyone in the multi-billion-dollar industry understands that, including the Chicago Bears.
When Bears general manager Ryan Poles decided to trade wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in return for a 2026 second-round pick, it wasn’t personal. Poles had to make a business decision that he believed would benefit his football team.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams spoke with reporters for the first time about the move that sent one of his big-time playmakers to the AFC.
“DJ, he's a pro,” Williams said. "He's been that since he's been in the league. And so, on the football side of it, obviously you're going to miss him out there making plays for you, for me and for the team. But, on the other side of the football side, you do understand that there's a business side to it. You have to roll with the punches. I don't have those choices to make those type of choices. And so, from there you understand it and you understand it from there. And then on my side of it, personal side, you obviously miss the guy. I've been around him for two years. We go over to his house, we play cards, we eat food, we watch games, the guys come over to my house and all these different things. And so, you build up a relationship on a personal level.”
Caleb Williams understands the bigger picture being made by Ryan Poles
Williams and Moore experienced the highest of highs last season. Moore's touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 and in the playoffs will forever be cemented in the memories of Bears fans. Although the trade impacted many within the organization, Williams is aware that his general manager does right by their players.
“It sucks that he has to go, but I think we do one of the best jobs in the NFL, if somebody has to go or we're trading somebody or anything like that, we typically try send to a really good spot,” Williams said. “And so, I think they did a good job sending him somewhere like that. They’ve got a good quarterback and good coach and all that over there. And so, I'm excited for him, the rest of his career and to see what he does.”
Moore joined a Bills organization that has been consistently among the top teams in the NFL, fighting for a Lombardi Trophy.
Before Williams joined the Bears, Poles wanted to make sure he handled the trade for former quarterback Justin Fields the right way. The team traded Fields to Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick, despite a better offer from another team.
Poles also didn't want to send Fields to a team that had a young quarterback; instead, he had a chance to compete with Russell Wilson, who was on a one-year deal.
Read more: Kevin Byard's bold Caleb Williams prediction is what Bears fans pray will happen
Poles isn't afraid to turn down better offers, which can be tough for others in his position, but that grace resonates with players and is a defining trait of the Bears’ general manager.
Add us as a preferred source on Google