Many Bears fans have their sights set on Jeanty with the 10th overall pick—if he’s still on the board. But that’s looking more and more unlikely after the Las Vegas Raiders’ latest move.
Just four weeks after acquiring Geno Smith in a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks, the Raiders signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension (worth up to $85.5 million with incentives, including $66.5 million guaranteed). That’s a major commitment and a clear sign they’re no longer in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Geno Smith and Raiders agree to a 2-year, $85.5M max value extension with $66.5M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/0vtTF72JWm
— NFL (@NFL) April 3, 2025
The Raiders hold the 6th overall pick—four spots ahead of the Bears—and now that QB is off the table, the odds are they’ll look to add weapons elsewhere. That puts Ashton Jeanty in play for them, and likely off the board before Chicago gets a chance.
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So, the dream of another Rome Odunze-type scenario, where a top talent unexpectedly falls into the Bears lap, is probably dead. This move could shake up the draft board significantly.
If the Bears are truly serious about Jeanty, they have a couple options:
- Trade up: Not ideal from a value standpoint.
- Stay at 10 and hope: A risky bet, but not impossible.
Realistically, the Ashton Jeanty to Chicago hype is fading fast. But it’s not all bad news—the 2025 draft class is deep at running back. The Bears are still in a great position to land a blue-chip player at 10, or even trade back for more capital if things don’t break their way early.
GM Ryan Poles has plenty of options. Jeanty just probably isn’t one of them anymore.
Bears need to trade up to #5 for an offensive explosion.
Consider this: if the Bears want a premium RB, they almost have to draft one this year. If their intent is to compete for a SB, their future draft positions will not merit a high enough pick to draft a premium RB. Yes there are options beyond Jeanty this year, but you don’t know that it will be a deep a selection next year. If their intent new coach places a premium on this position, this year will be the best time to draft one in Round 1.
Ssoooo no Jeanty because Geno Smith signed for 2 yrs?? This is a year after Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins then drafted Penix. Big miss here Dave. That being said I think Jeanty will be gone by pick 10.
No RB Jeanty = Requiem for a Dream; as an ending for the Bears draft.
Well, you did not get the food or music analogies, here are films that can express my draft preferences. The Bears:
Trade way up to watch Psycho or A Clockwork Orange.
Trade up some for The House of a 1000 Corpses or The Devil’s Rejects.
Remain at #10 to see Requiem for a Dream or Irreversible or Hannibal.
Trade down some to witness Martyrs or Frontier(s) or Inside.
Trade way down for The Girl Next Door or They Kill Horses, Don’t They?