Bears Issue Statement After Ben Johnson's Final Decision On DJ Moore's $110 Million Contract Following Controversial Season

Chicago, Illinois – January 23, 2026

After weeks of silence and speculation surrounding the future of DJ Moore, the Chicago Bears have finally released an official statement, closing a controversial chapter following the 2025 season. The move comes after head coach Ben Johnson completed an internal evaluation of Moore’s four-year, $110 million contract — one of the largest deals in franchise history.

In the statement from Halas Hall, the Bears avoided directly addressing whether Moore will be traded or retained long-term. Instead, the organization emphasized that all current decisions are being made around the team’s “overall direction” and “role distribution within a new structure.” That carefully chosen language was quickly interpreted by league observers as a clear signal that Moore is no longer viewed as the unquestioned centerpiece of the Bears’ offensive plan.

Moore’s 2025 season reflected that complexity. While he still found the end zone six times, he finished with just 50 receptions for 682 yards — the lowest totals of his career. The season-ending overtime interception in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams only intensified scrutiny, particularly after Moore’s absence from the locker room following the game — a detail widely viewed as a “silent message.”

Ben Johnson did not shy away from questions about Moore when addressing the issue internally. His tone was measured but firm, making it clear that a decision had already been shaped.

“With DJ Moore, we’ve clearly defined his role within the structure we’re building, and that role is no longer viewed the same way it once was. This decision is based on the overall direction of the team, not a short-term personal evaluation. The most important thing right now is that every role serves the path forward — no exceptions.”

Financially, the picture only sharpens the conversation. Moore enters 2026 carrying a $28.5 million cap hit, the highest on the roster, and the Bears could free up nearly $25 million by restructuring or exploring trade options. That flexibility could be redirected toward strengthening the pass rush, reinforcing the offensive line, or reallocating resources within Johnson’s new offensive system.

At the same time, the Bears were careful not to dismiss Moore’s contributions outright. The statement acknowledged his role in helping Chicago return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 and highlighted his professionalism throughout his tenure with the team.

The conclusion is clear, even if it isn’t spelled out in a headline: DJ Moore has not disappeared from the Bears’ plans — but he is no longer an untouchable pillar of them. And in an offseason defined by pivotal choices, that subtle shift may be the clearest indication yet that the Ben Johnson era in Chicago has truly begun.