GM Ryan Poles couldn’t have asked for a better outcome in 2022 if he’d planned it. Sure, winning the Super Bowl would’ve trumped it, but everybody knew that was impossible. He saw immediately that the Chicago Bears were in decline. They were the oldest roster in the NFL, with too many expensive contracts on the books. He had a choice. Either he tries to retool everything while hoping the veteran core had one or two more years in it, or he tears everything down and starts from scratch. The latter would likely lead to lots of losing, but it also might speed up the chances of building a long-term contender.
Poles went with door #2. Everything was jettisoned. Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, Allen Robinson, Robert Quinn, and Roquan Smith were all traded, cut, or allowed to walk in free agency. The upcoming season had two objectives. One was to determine if quarterback Justin Fields had the capacity to be a franchise guy, and the other was to develop younger guys. Both were achieved. Fields improved in almost every category despite the rough situation around him. Rookies like Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Braxton Jones, Velus Jones, and Jack Sanborn all flashed exciting potential.
Then through a series of unlikely breaks, they landed the #1 overall pick.
It can’t be understated how fortunate this is for Chicago. They either get to select who they deem to be the best player in an entire draft class or they can trade the pick to a quarterback-starved team. This is where it gets interesting. Everybody knows the Bears aren’t drafting a quarterback. They also know the Houston Texans, who pick #2, will. That means the #1 spot is open for business. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog hinted on Twitter that not only is there interest in the pick, but the likelihood is strong Poles will get a massive return when he deals it.
The Chicago Bears have good reasons to trade the pick.
One must face facts. This roster is badly depleted. There is zero star power outside of Fields on either side of the ball. Great teams are built on blue-chip talent and depth. The Bears have neither. Poles said he wants to build this team through the draft. That is the best way to construct a team that can contend every year. Well, to do that, he needs picks. Lots of picks. Right now, the Bears have eight in 2023. That is decent, but it could be better. Dealing the #1 pick could be franchise-altering if handled correctly.
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The last time such a trade happened, the Tennesse Titans sent #1 to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the 15th pick, two 2nd round picks, a 3rd round pick, a future 1st round pick, and a future 3rd round pick. That package enabled the Titans to add multiple contributors, including All-Pro running back Derrick Henry and All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin. Both would help the team make the playoffs twice, including an AFC championship appearance in 2019.
There is no shortage of possibilities for what the Chicago Bears can do. Several teams in the top 10 have a glaring quarterback need. All that is required is for them to fall in love with one of the top prospects. Poles is holding their golden ticket. They merely have to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
I believe that the Bears will trade the #1 pick but it could be for the #4 pick and some more picks. Then maybe the Bears will trade the #4 pick for the #7 pick and some more picks. Draft defensive players and sign some offensive line players that can play into the bears program.
Blaine, to your comment: The Bears were not going anywhere with the players they got rid of this year. They were past their primes and too expensive. If you keep doing the same thing(s), you will get the same results. How much did you hear about Robert Quinn or Khalil Mack this year? Roquan Smith indicated that he really didn’t want to remain with the Bears beyond this year (even if he said differently) by holding out. So, they got something for Smith by trading him instead of nothing. Smith also did not care for the new defensive system installed.… Read more »
Bears should double trade down (to #2 then to somewhere between #4 & #9), load up on high-quality picks, and then pick the best 4-3 DE or 3 technique DT available in the first round. There are 5 QB needy teams between #4 & #9.
Just so some of you need reminding the Bears lost a lot of games when they had all those good players Poles got rid of and they were also aging so a rebuild with youth and through the draft is a very smart play. Period.
Ryan Poles is a brilliant GM.
Trust him always to make the right move for the Chicago Bears — when it comes to personnel.
Signed,
Roquan Smith