Why the Chicago Bears Should Consider Trading their No. 1 Pick for a Quarterback
The Chicago Bears find themselves in a unique position heading into the NFL Draft on April 25. With a number of teams in need of a quarterback, Bears GM Ryan Poles has an opportunity to make a move that could greatly benefit his team. One team that stands out as a potential trade partner is the Washington Commanders, who are desperate to reset their culture under new ownership, a new GM, and a new coach.
The Commanders recently hired Kliff Kiingsbury as their offensive coordinator, a move that indicates their commitment to improving their quarterback situation. With the right offer, the Bears could potentially acquire the No. 1 pick from Washington and select the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck – Justin Fields.
Last year, the Bears made a similar move when they fleeced the Carolina Panthers for a No. 1 receiver, this year’s No. 1 pick, and more. This type of move can completely change the trajectory of a franchise, and the Bears have the opportunity to do it again. Fields has shown great potential and could make an immediate impact for Chicago.
To convince Washington to make the trade, the Bears could leverage the interest from other teams, such as the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots, who have yet to replace Bill Belichick as GM, could offer their own first- through fifth-round picks in this year’s draft and the next. While they may not have a skill player of D.J. Moore’s caliber to support Fields, they have the draft capital to sweeten the deal.
Similarly, the Falcons have their own valuable picks this year and next, along with players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts. By generating interest from multiple teams, the Bears can put pressure on Washington and wait for the best offer.
Trading for Fields or the No. 1 pick in exchange for Williams would certainly bring a nice haul for the Bears. However, the return for the No. 1 pick is likely to be more valuable in the long run. Fields is still on his rookie deal, and even if he performs at an All-Pro level in 2024, his fifth-year option is estimated to be far below what other quarterbacks are getting paid. This would allow the Bears to acquire multiple picks and draft cheap talent, avoiding future salary cap issues.
The Bears are in a win-now-or-win-later situation, and how Poles handles it will be a testament to his confidence in the job he has done thus far. While trading the pick carries more risk, the reward for winning sooner with a quarterback like Fields, who has already been embraced by the city, could be an extension and even greater trust.
In the end, if a GM fails to see the obvious talent and potential of a player like Fields, perhaps they are the ones who should be let go. The Bears have an opportunity to make a bold move that could greatly benefit their team, and it would be foolish for Poles to not consider the godfather offers that will come his way before the draft.
