The Chicago Bears face a huge decision within the next few weeks, prior to the NFL draft in April.
In possession of the overall no. 1 pick in the draft, the team will have to decide whether to follow through with that spot and, likely, select USC Heisman Award winner and blue chip quarterback prospect Caleb Williams or to trade that pick for a haul of talent to build around current QB Justin Fields.
Last year, similarly blessed with the draft’s top pick, they opted for the latter and cut a huge deal with the Carolina Panthers that ultimately paid tremendous dividends. It was a deal that brought over wide receiver DJ Moore and draft picks that resulted in Darnell Wright and Tyrique Stevenson coming aboard. It was also a deal that led to the Bears having the overall no. 1 pick this year, plus a 2025 second-round pick.
Chicago Bears Leaning Towards Trading No.1 Pick?
Chicago Bears President and CEO Frank Warren recently raised some eyebrows when he openly talked about trying to replicate the success of last year’s pre-draft trade while also singing the praises of Fields.
“You think of the draft [General Manager] Ryan [Poles] made last year to get DJ Moore and turn that pick into drafting Darnell Wright and then Stevenson,” Warren told WGN’s Jarrett Payton in an exclusive interview. “To get those young guys a chance to play and then trading for Montez Sweat. Not only trade for him, but then extend him. If we can replicate back-to-back years, to really be smart about how we handle our draft capital this year, it could be a really special time for the Chicago Bears.
“You look at the ’85 Bears – how many individuals in one draft came out of that draft – all those starters. So, I’m very cognizant and conscientious that I need to be there to work hand in hand with Ryan. Be supportive. Challenge a thought process. But, make sure that we come out of this draft and this free agent summer, going into the year a much better football team.”
Was that a hint at where he and the Bears front office may be leaning on this “keep no.1 or trade no. 1” issue? Given the team’s success in dealing the top draft pick last year, it would be hard to not want to revisit the idea. It’s also hard to argue against the belief that four or five high-draft talents plus, maybe, a current impact NFL starter might be of more long-term benefit to Chicago than incoming rookie Caleb Williams, even if the young QB profiles as a potential elite quarterback. This certainly looks like a way to build an elite franchise that could be winners for years to come.
CEO Sings Praises Of Justin Fields
That decision to trade no.1, however, greatly depends on how much faith the Bears have in Justin Fields as their current and future starter. From a bit in that same WGN interview, Warren seems to have all the faith in the world in Fields.
“Justin has a rare combination of intelligence, of size, of strength and speed,” Warren remarked. “You forget how big of a man he is until you’re up on him. He’s not a small man. I just think every year, he’s going to continually get better. So I’m glad he’s on the Chicago Bears.”
Up until this interview with Warren, it seemed like almost a sure thing that the Bears would keep their no. 1 pick, select Williams, and, before that, trade Fields for the best available package. It seemed unlikely that the team would deal away the NFL draft top selection for the second straight year.
Now, though, it seems that maybe Fields staying and no. 1 going is still a serious consideration.