The Chicago Bears are in a precarious position with their No. 10 overall pick. They’re still in a spot to land an elite player in the class, but it’ll all depend on how the board shakes out in front of them. If a team were to swing a trade, the Bears’ draft plans will immediately go out the window.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s a negative thing. If a team trades up for a quarterback, that means one of the Bears’ top prospects will likely be on the board. However, teams are well aware of what kinds of players Chicago is targeting. With a hard deadline at No. 10, other franchises can simply steal a player they know the Bears would take a few picks later.
While the Saints have already been deemed a potential trade option, now the Carolina Panthers have joined them in that thought process. General manager Dan Morgan was outspoken about the Panthers’ willingness to trade down, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
“I think we’re definitely open to trading back and acquiring more picks,” the GM said Tuesday in his pre-draft news conference. “I think we’re gonna be open for all possibilities. Let’s put it that way.”
How Panthers trade affects Chicago Bears
It all depends on the team they make a deal with to say if a Panthers trade down would truly hurt the Bears. However, the two potential outcomes are on complete different sides of the spectrum.
If a team trades up for quarterback, Chicago would be in decent shape. It eliminates another star prospect being taken before them. Furthermore, with the Saints also in quarterback purgatory, perhaps the Bears get two early Christmas gifts. Although, it’s fair to wonder if New Orleans would go quarterback if someone took their best option at No. 8.
Regardless, if a team is trading up ahead of the Bears, Chicago is praying a quarterback’s name is called. If not, this is where things get tricky for the Bears.
It’s no secret that Ben Johnson and company are interested in Ashton Jeanty. But what if a running back needy team takes advantage of the Panthers’ trade offer, not allowing him to get to No. 10. The same could be said for tight end Tyler Warren or a litany of offensive linemen. By Chicago’s pick, many of the top names have come off the board. If a team doesn’t want to take the risk, they can take Carolina up on their deal.
Maybe even the Bears pick up the phone, looking to ensure they get the elite prospect before anyone else does. Point is, if the Panthers are seriously open for business, Ryan Poles must be ready to be versatile in his draft decision making.
Bears enter draft chaos
With the NFL Draft only getting closer, the league’s landscape is descending into chaos. Trades and rumors have been flowing aplenty, as fans and analysts try to get the real picture of what will happen in the draft. When it comes to the Bears, almost every scenario has been thrown their way.
That was by design though, based upon how Chicago handled their offseason. Offensive line was a clear need after allowing a league-high 68 sacks. So, the Bears added guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney alongside center Drew Dalman. The team’s defense ranked 27th overall, allowing 354.3 yards per game. To help remedy it, Chicago signed pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to nearly $100 million worth of contracts.
Because of their additions, the Bears are no longer forced to draft for need. While they are still likely to bolster their offensive and defensive lines, it wasn’t an immediate need like it was at the end of 2024. Chicago can now opt to select the best player on the board, making the franchise stronger as whole, rather than just filling holes.
It’s the reason the Bears have been connected to so many players. Whether offense or defense, Chicago is looking for elite reinforcements on either side of the ball. What that will exactly mean won’t be known until the Bears’ first-round card is turned in.
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