Given that they were awarded the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, many believed the Chicago Bears would want to trade the pick, get relegated while also collecting a few more assets.
That seems to be the case as the Draft approaches.
Multiple teams have reportedly called the Bears regarding a trade for the No. 1 pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He adds that Chicago is «leaning» to go down in the Draft via trade.
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The NFL Draft Theater Stage at Caesars Forum on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Because? The key reason is quarterback Justin Fields’ appearance last season. General manager Ryan Poles said in January that Fields is the team’s quarterback, causing speculation about the first overall pick to only increase.
Because Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, took a huge leap in production last season, despite the Bears’ record high, Chicago believes they already have a quarterback of the future on their roster. .
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With that thought process in place, the Poles don’t need the first overall pick to draft a quarterback. Meanwhile, teams like the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and others are looking for a quarterback this offseason and will likely want to select him over the rest of the competition.
The Poles could secure a lower first-round pick as well as higher draft compensation that is crucial to the Bears’ continued rebuilding under his watch.
General Manager Ryan Poles answers questions after Kevin Warren is introduced as Chicago Bears President and CEO at Halas Hall on January 17, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
«We have flexibility where, if there are opportunities, if we can turn that into a lot of players coming in and helping us, we can do it,» Poles said in January, via ESPN. «If it’s about sitting still or being really selective with certain people, we can do that too. I know my expectation, our expectation, is to move the needle to be more successful. We can win some of these close games and bring guys that can impact to this soccer team.»
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If the Bears stay put, Will Anderson, Alabama’s running back, has taunted them numerous times. However, with Chicago leaning towards giving the choice to someone else, all eyes will be on who can present the Poles with the best trade package to move on to that first overall spot.
Fields saw a jump in yards (2,242), touchdown passes (17) and completion percentage (60.4) in 15 games with the Bears last season. But it was his rushing ability that put the league on notice, as he rushed for 1,143 yards to lead all quarterbacks and also had eight rushing touchdowns.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles before the game against the Washington Commanders at Soldier Field on October 13, 2022 in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
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While Fields’ accuracy and pocket passes have been questioned, his athleticism certainly hasn’t. Insiders are wondering what a good supporting cast for Fields will do for him, and that’s what Poles wants to bring to the Windy City.