Buzz was already starting to pick up over the past week that something was going on with the Chicago Bears and the #1 overall pick. Multiple insiders hinted there was definite interest from the Houston Texans moving up to that spot for their quarterback of choice. Now it appears the market is really starting to heat up. ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell to kick off combine week by revealing several teams have already approached GM Ryan Poles about trading for the pick. At this stage, it’s looking more and more like Chicago will trade rather than keep it.
It isn’t a surprise Poles is open to this avenue. The Bears already have a young quarterback they like in Justin Fields. He made solid progress in 2022 despite a rough situation around him. It seems far more prudent to build up the roster around him rather than start over at quarterback. Moving down should guarantee the team several more high draft choices, depending on where they land. The fact several teams are involved means the market should be hot. More bidders mean a bigger package of picks. An ideal situation for a rebuilding team.
The Chicago Bears must determine how far they will drop.
It could be anywhere from #2 overall (Houston) to #11 overall (Tennessee). Both teams are rumored to have an interest. That must also include the Colts (#4), Raiders (#7), Falcons (#8), and Panthers (#9). All have uncertain quarterback situations. The veteran market will help determine how this unfolds. Right now, the only two proven starters expected to be available are Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo. Tom Brady retired. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t yet made a decision on his future in Green Bay. Lamar Jackson and Daniel Jones are likely to get franchise tagged.
It sounds like the New York Jets are a virtual lock to land one of Carr or Rodgers. Since they pick outside the top 10, that is great news for the Chicago Bears. If a team like Tampa Bay or even San Francisco can keep Garoppolo away from the Raiders, it would be icing on the cake. The truth is Poles has tons of leverage in this situation. He holds the golden ticket for any team seeking their QB of choice. He’s not going to rush this decision. The Bears GM will wait until he gets that offer he can’t refuse.
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