The Chicago Bears have exchanged their top draft pick for two first-round selections and a WR worth $21.5 million in a trade proposal.
The Chicago Bears have the flexibility to shape their roster as they see fit this offseason, including the possibility of trading their top draft pick for the second consecutive year.
In a recent mock draft by Bill Zimmerman of SB Nation's Windy City Gridiron on January 26, the Bears are depicted as trading their No. 1 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a significant package of draft assets. This trade includes two first-round picks and additional selections.
Zimmerman explains, "Ryan Poles, the Bears' general manager, finds a willing trade partner in the Falcons and secures a valuable return. The Falcons have strong faith in Caleb Williams and are willing to pay a premium for him. Poles employs a similar strategy to what he used last year with the Carolina Panthers, putting pressure on the Falcons to offer a 'Caleb tax.' In return, the Bears receive the 8th overall pick, the 43rd overall pick, and the 74th overall pick. Additionally, the Falcons include their 2025 first-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick, and 2026 second-round pick in the deal. As part of the trade package, the Falcons also send wide receiver Drake London to the Bears."
This move mirrors the Bears' previous trade of the top pick in 2023 to the Panthers, resulting in their current No. 1 selection and the acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore.
Under Zimmerman's proposed scenario, quarterback Justin Fields would remain in Chicago, which aligns with Moore's preference. Moore expressed his desire for Fields to stay, saying, "For Justin to be here? It'll be amazing." He emphasized the reluctance to start over and endure another losing season.
Drake London, a former first-round pick (No. 8 overall in 2022) from USC, would likely become Chicago's No. 2 wide receiver alongside DJ Moore. London has performed well in his NFL career, amassing 141 receptions for 1,771 yards and 6 touchdowns across 33 games. He still has two seasons remaining on his rookie deal, valued at $21.5 million, with a fifth-year option in 2026, providing three cost-controlled seasons before potential free agency.
Furthermore, the Bears could enhance their offensive arsenal by using the No. 8 pick obtained from the Falcons to select another weapon in the passing game. Zimmerman's suggestion is Brock Bowers, the top tight end in the 2024 draft class from Georgia. This addition would complement the Bears' young and formidable wide receiver duo of DJ Moore and Drake London, potentially elevating the offense to a higher level with Justin Fields at the helm.
| POLL | ||
27 JANVIER | 301 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears have exchanged their top draft pick for two first-round selections and a WR worth $21.5 million in a trade proposal. Will the bears trade the first overall pick? | ||
| yes | 215 | 71.4 % |
| No | 86 | 28.6 % |
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