The Chicago Bears currently hold the rights to the #2 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Barring something unexpected, there is a reasonable chance they will maintain control of that selection by the end of the regular season. Their defense is a shadow of its former self. Darnell Mooney is lost for the year. Justin Fields isn’t 100% healthy. Their schedule features three future playoff teams, along with the Packers and Lions. If this proves true, GM Ryan Poles will be in a terrific position to help his football team next spring.
The options on the table appear to be one of two scenarios. Either take the best defensive prospect on the board or trade down with another team seeking a quarterback. The latter seems so enticing, given the number of holes on this roster. If Poles sees it the same way, he’ll need to identify which teams are likeliest to entertain the possibility. Here are five, based on the current draft order, that makes the most sense.
The Chicago Bears have multiple teams worth calling.
Detroit Lions (3rd overall)
Jared Goff has been OK for Detroit, but GM Brad Holmes must be honest with himself. Will the Lions win a championship with him under center? The answer is no. That is why he may be keen on grabbing a quarterback. He’s already shown a willingness to trade within the division, as his two deals with the Minnesota Vikings show. He could pay a few picks to move up one spot, ensuring he gets the quarterback he wants before somebody else jumps ahead of him. This way, the Bears secure more picks while also still getting the top non-QB prospect on the board.
Seattle Seahawks (4th overall)
There are multiple reasons Seattle might do this. Geno Smith has played well this year but also turns 33 years old in 2023. The Seahawks may view him as the present but not the future. On the other hand, they may covet Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson. Their rush has been bad on defense this season. They sorely need somebody that can get after the quarterback. Chicago could make this deal while still having a reasonable chance to land Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
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Carolina Panthers (5th overall)
Of the teams in the top five as it currently stands, the Panthers are probably in the most desperate need of a quarterback. They’ve tried half-measures with guys like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. It hasn’t worked out. They have to get a franchise guy they can build around. Their options appear to be to settle for Will Levis, the #3 QB on most boards, or move up to get Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. If it’s the latter, they are likely to give the Chicago Bears their most significant return in pick compensation while keeping them in the top five.
Indianapolis Colts (14th overall)
The compensation would need to be extensive to convince the Bears to move down even five slots in the draft. To drop out of the top 10 entirely would require a bounty. Colts GM Chris Ballard isn’t likely to do that, but he might not be calling the shots anymore after what Jim Irsay has done. He might push the GM to go after a new quarterback, tired of the cheap alternatives like Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Ballard has a personal connection with Poles from their time in Kansas City together. That could make such a deal go smoothly. Indy may even soften the blow by offering a player in that deal. DeForest Buckner is one example.
Atlanta Falcons (15th overall)
Another team that needs to find their franchise quarterback. Marcus Mariota isn’t their future. Are they desperate enough to jump that high? Atlanta has made aggressive moves in the past, and they have Ryan Pace in that front office now. The price would be staggering, but then again, the Rams went from #15 to #1 back in 2016. So this wouldn’t be something unheard of. It isn’t likely with their roster more than a QB away from contention, but it’s a scenario worth keeping in mind.
No matter how you look at it, if the bears hold onto number 2 pick, they will have more than one team attempting to trade called competition. The highest bidder will win this trade war for the rights to get a franchise QB, they will throw in the kitchen sink.
There are other teams that could be looking for a trade…try the Steelers and Tampa. Tampa needs a QB. This is probably Brady’s last year.
Steelers have a number 1 and two number 2s (one being the bears #2). Steelers currently drafting at number 5 and have a need for a QB. Tampa not having a steller year picking at 19 right now.
A lot of football yet to be played and there are 14 teams with 4 wins or less at this point. Wouldn’t be making any draft plans now.
Seattle fleeced Denver with a huge Hall. Maybe #2 gives you an equal Hall in return. My mouth is watering just thinking of all they can get for #2.
I think seattle. They have 2 1st round picks. The one from Denver and their own. So I’m rooting for both to lose the rest of the season. ; )