Buffalo Bills Release 4 Players After Trading For D.J. Moore

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 4:46 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills aren't waiting until the start of the new league year to make major changes to their roster.

Buffalo upgraded its wide receiver room Thursday by sending a 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears in return for D.J. Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick. He'll immediately become the No. 1 option on the depth chart, with Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer right behind him.

Moore will now get to reunite with Joe Brady, who was his offensive coordinator on the Carolina Panthers from 2020-21. It's worth noting that Moore had over 2,300 receiving yards during that stretch.

Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) makes the eventual game winning touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images© David Banks-Imagn Images.

New era for the Bills.

With Moore set to join the Bills, general manager Brandon Beane has made the tough decision to release cornerbacks Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson, safety Taylor Rapp, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel. It's fair to say Johnson and Rapp are the biggest losses for Buffalo.

Johnson spent eight seasons with the Bills, racking up 572 tackles, 48 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and six interceptions. He earned second team All-Pro honors in 2023.

Rapp, meanwhile, had 158 tackles, eight passes defensed, three interceptions and one forced fumble during his three years in Buffalo.

It's pretty clear the Bills are moving on from the Sean McDermott era. That being said, it's imperative they replenish their defense with young talent this offseason.

Now that Buffalo has already acquired Moore, the front office can turn its attention over to the secondary in free agency.

Time will tell if the Bills can finally get over the hump in the AFC.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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