NFL insider’s prediction for blockbuster Chicago Bears trade could shake up draft
YouTube: The Rich Eisen Show; YouTube: NFL on NBCThe Chicago Bears hold all the cards ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. With the top pick and quarterback Justin Fields, a blockbuster trade will occur one way or another.
The Bears drafted Justin Fields at number 11 overall during the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Ohio State product has posted up-and-down numbers in his three-year career.
Fields is 10-28 in 38 career starts, including a 3-12 record in 2022, ultimately giving Chicago the number one overall pick at last year’s NFL Draft.
The team chose to stick with Fields and traded away the premium selection to the Panthers for wide receiver D.J. Moore and a slew of future draft picks.
The Bears improved in 2023, finishing with a 7-10 record with some promising strides for Fields. However, one of the picks acquired from the Panthers trade last off-season became the number one pick at this year’s NFL Draft.
Insider believes the Bears make bold move at NFL Draft
Although Fields grew as a quarterback last season, many around the league expect the Bears to trade away the 24-year-old. But Peter King is not one of them.
Instead, the long-time NFL insider believes Chicago will commit to Fields again. And this time, the Bears will trade down more than once, according to King.
“I suppose the Bears are going to trade the top pick. I know nothing, but that seems to be the way the wind is blowing,” King said. “The Bears could keep Justin Fields (and should).
“Suppose general manager Ryan Poles traded the top pick down one spot to Washington and got the second overall pick, a 2024 second-round pick, and a 2025 first-round pick in return?
“Then, suppose Poles traded the second pick to Atlanta for the eighth overall selection. In return, Chicago gets the eighth pick, Atlanta’s 2024 second-round pick, plus first- and second-round picks next year.
“From moving down seven picks in the first round, the Bears could end up with nine picks in the first two rounds of the next two drafts. Instant infrastructure.”
According to King’s prediction, Chicago would receive:
•No. 8 overall (via ATL)
•No. 36 overall (via WSH)
•No. 43 overall (via ATL)
•Future first-round pick (via WSH)
•Future first-round pick (via ATL)
•Future second-round pick (via ATL)
Double trade-downs rarely happen in the NFL Draft. However, if Chicago believes in Fields, this bold move would present the quickest path toward surrounding him with talent.
If King’s trade theory comes to fruition, the Bears would have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal. Plus, it gives the franchise incredible flexibility next off-season if Fields underwhelms in 2024.