The Chicago Bears do not seem to be as eager to trade the No. 1 overall pick as they were a year ago. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Saturday, the Bears would need a “historic” and “crazy” trade offer to even consider moving the pick.
That would seem to indicate they not only intend to keep the pick, but also most likely select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick.
This is the second year in a row the Bears have had control of the top pick. Instead of keeping it in 2023 to select Bryce Young, they traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers for an incredible haul of picks and players.
Chicago ended up coming away with wide receiver D.J. Moore, the Panthers’ 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick (No. 61) and the Panthers 2024 first-round pick. The latter pick turned out to be this year’s No. 1 overall selection.
If they are seeking something “historic” or “crazy” it would need to be more than that.
Assuming the Bears do keep this year’s pick and select Williams, it would probably mean that their current quarterback — Justin Fields — would eventually be traded.
Even though Fields has not become a top-tier player, he showed significant progress in the second half of the 2023 season and is one of the best running quarterbacks in football. There would be a strong trade market for him and it would not be a stretch to imagine them getting a first-round pick in exchange for him.
Along with Carolina’s pick, the Bears also still have their own first-round pick (No. 9 overall). Combined with their salary cap space this is a big offseason that could dramatically turn the Bears franchise around if they get everything right.