Latest Chicago Bears Trade Smoke Now Points To One Team
There are many teams that could trade for the No. 1 Chicago Bears. This has been discussed over and over again for weeks. But once the Scouting Combine was over, the real rumors began. GM Ryan Poles believes a deal could be struck as soon as free agency begins. While this isn’t a guarantee, the momentum building in the insider community would suggest this isn’t a bluff. A team primarily gains momentum. These are the Carolina Panthers. A source recently told SM that both teams have set up the framework for a trade. Poland is unlikely to pull the trigger until he has explored all other options.
This update is now being fed by others. Windy City Gridiron’s Bill Zimmerman has proven to have decent contacts within the organization. He posted this on Twitter a few hours ago.
Zimmerman has dropped similar hints in the past, but that alone isn’t worth getting upset about. In fact, less than an hour later, Jeff Hughes of the Da Bears Blog poured gas into those flames.
Nothing is set in stone yet. Another team could eventually step in to change the talks. However, it’s becoming clear that the Panthers are determined to get their quarterback.
The Chicago Bears will likely wait until at least March 15.
An NFL rule states that teams cannot trade 1st-round picks more than two years into the future. That means if the Panthers plan to pick a potential first-round pick in 2025, it can’t happen before the new league year begins. That’s the 15. The belief is that if the Bears fall out of the top five, they’ll seek out two future first-rounders. Going from 1st overall to 9th is a huge drop. The compensation must be significant. Full details are not known, but a deal with the Panthers is expected to include their 2nd this year, 1st in 2024 and 1st in 2025. Unless they decide to add a player to their roster. Maybe edge rusher Brian Burns or defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
However, that seems unlikely.
Three quarterbacks are considered options for the No. 1. Bryce Young of Alabama is the favorite. However, Ohio State’s CJ Stroud has been gaining momentum over the past week. Some believe he’s the one new Panthers head coach Frank Reich desires. There’s also an athletic freak, Anthony Richardson, from Florida. What makes this even better are the additional rumors that No. 11 Tennessee is also coveting Stroud. Maybe that’s why they, too, approached the Chicago Bears with interest. It will be interesting to see if she or anyone else tries to undercut Carolina. It sounds like they’re running out of time.