One Bears trade didn’t just shake Chicago fans — it shook the GM’s own household.
When DJ Moore was dealt to Buffalo, Ryan Poles’ son had one furious reaction.

Bears GM’s Son Furious Over DJ Moore Trade — Receiver Sends Personal Message to Calm Him Down

CHICAGO — When the Chicago Bears decided to trade wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, reactions poured in across the NFL world.

But one of the most emotional responses came from a surprising place: inside the Bears general manager’s own family.

According to GM Ryan Poles, his son Mason was absolutely furious when he learned his dad had traded one of the team’s most beloved players.

And the situation became so personal that Moore himself stepped in to calm things down.

“It was cool — DJ sent him a video telling him not to be mad at dad,” Poles revealed. “He told him, ‘It’s part of the business.’”

For Mason Poles, however, that explanation didn’t immediately make the trade easier to accept.

A Family Divided by the Trade

While Ryan Poles’ son was upset about losing Moore, other members of the GM’s family had the exact opposite reaction.

Poles grew up in Western New York, and many of his relatives are lifelong Buffalo Bills fans. When Moore was traded to Buffalo, they celebrated the move.

So while Mason was frustrated, Poles’ extended family was thrilled that the talented receiver was heading to their favorite team.

For the Bears GM, it created a humorous — yet revealing — moment that highlights just how emotional NFL roster moves can be.

Moore Was Never Completely Surprised

For his part, DJ Moore said the trade didn’t completely shock him.

Speaking to reporters in Buffalo, the veteran receiver explained that he always knew the possibility existed.

At the same time, he admitted that once he heard where he was going, excitement quickly replaced uncertainty.

Moore said he became “super-excited” about the opportunity to play with Bills superstar quarterback Josh Allen, one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players.

Poles, meanwhile, said he felt good about sending Moore to a situation where he could thrive.

From Franchise Cornerstone to Trade Piece

The trade raised eyebrows because Moore had long been considered one of the cornerstones of the Bears’ offense.

In fact, just two years ago, Poles signed Moore to a four-year, $110 million contract extension, a deal that technically began this offseason.

So what changed?

According to Poles, the answer involves a surprising twist from the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Luther Burden Factor

When the Bears selected Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden with the 39th overall pick, it reshaped the future of the receiver room.

Chicago hadn’t expected Burden to still be available that late in the draft.

“That’s why you follow the draft board,” Poles said. “I did not expect Luther Burden to be where he was.”

Once Burden arrived, the Bears quickly realized they had something special.

“Every time that dude touches the ball, special things can happen,” Poles said.

With Burden emerging as a rising playmaker — alongside young stars like Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland, both first-round picks in recent years — the Bears suddenly had a crowded group of offensive weapons.

The Financial Reality

There was also the financial side of the equation.

Moore carried a $24.5 million salary cap hit for the upcoming season, a significant number for a team trying to build a balanced roster.

“There’s a financial piece of it,” Poles explained, “but you’re also looking at the room.”

In the end, Chicago decided to move Moore while his value remained high. The trade brought the Bears a second-round draft pick, adding another valuable asset for the future.

A Move That Still Feels Personal

Even though the decision made sense from a roster and financial standpoint, the trade clearly wasn’t easy.

Poles has frequently referred to Moore as one of his favorite players, and the receiver had become a fan favorite in Chicago.

The fact that Moore took the time to send a message to Poles’ son speaks volumes about the relationship he built during his time with the team.

But in the NFL, sentiment rarely outweighs strategy.

And as Ryan Poles’ household learned firsthand, sometimes even the toughest critics of a trade can be found around the family dinner table.