The Chicago Bears felt the quarterback crop this year wasn’t good enough to replace Justin Fields. However, GM Ryan Poles thought it was good enough to convince another team to trade up for the #1 pick. He was correct. Carolina offered a large package of picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore for the rights. One would think the Bears were entirely out of the QB picture at that point. Except the draft has a funny way of creating unexpected twists. New rumors suggest they could double dip.
A widespread belief is the Houston Texans are prepared to bypass a QB at #2 overall, not liking any of the options other than Bryce Young that high. They will likely take a pass rusher. Arizona could trade down at #3 to a team wanting to get in front of Indianapolis for the next QB. If that doesn’t happen, the Colts will take whichever one they prefer. That means only two quarterbacks go in the top five, less than projected. It increases the odds of one slipping to the Bears’ spot at #9.
Here is where it gets interesting.
Benjamin Allbright, one of the top insiders in the business, revealed that Tennessee is poised to take a quarterback at #11. This is great news because if Allbright is hearing that, other NFL teams know it too.
“The Tennessee Titans could possibly be lurking if Will Levis slips to 11th overall. Ryan Tannehill is on the backside of his career and Malik Willis hasn’t shown the staff enough for them to believe he’s the quarterback of the future.”
That means somebody hoping to get a quarterback who is picking behind Tennessee will know they have to move in front of them to make it happen. Chicago becomes an ideal landing spot at #9. In fact, Allbright revealed one team that might get aggressive in their attempts to do so.
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“The Minnesota Vikings are another team lurking on quarterbacks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a move up from 23 if either Levis or Anthony Richardson is within striking distance.”
The Chicago Bears could have a strong market again.
We know Carolina and Indianapolis will take quarterbacks. We don’t know if Las Vegas, Seattle, or Atlanta might do the same. If they all pass, the Bears would have two QBs on the board when they’re on the clock. That could create a frenzy of activity from teams trying to come up for one. They would know Tennessee is lurking right there at #11. It would give Poles tons of negotiating leverage. Considering what he got last time, it’s not hard to think he can get another solid return.
As always, it’s never wise to assume the draft will cooperate. There’s always one swerve moment that throws plans into chaos. The first pivot point will be Arizona at #3. If they trade out, it means a quarterback goes there. Then another will go at #4 to Indianapolis. This decreases the odds of one falling to #9. Still, history shows at least one QB always tumbles this time of year. The Chicago Bears are well-positioned to take advantage if and when that happens.
