Chicago Bears Rumors: Number 1 pick drawing significant interst

This week, the 2023 NFL Combine is underway which means we will get to see this year’s top draft prospects take the field while participating in drills.

But this week isn’t just about watching the prospects on the field, it’s also about the league’s rumor mill, and this year is a year to watch.

The Bears, of course, have the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Much of this offseason’s talk has been in regards to whether the Bears will trade the pick and stick with Justin Fields, or possibly trade Fields and take Bryce Young at no. 1 overall.

So far during this week’s Combine, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has heard plenty about Chicago’s first overall pick and the endless possibilities the team has at their disposal.

The Chicago Bears are already garnering a lot of interest in their number 1 pick

“Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been very clear … that number one pick is for sale,” Rapoport said on-air.

Now, a few days ago ESPN reported that the Bears were leaning towards trading the pick and that it is very much for sale — to nobody’s surprise.

“From my understanding, there is significant, significant interest in that pick. Among the teams expected to show interest, the Texans at number two … the Atlanta Falcons, still in need of a quarterback … the Indianapolis Colts at number four … and the Panthers still have some questions as well.”

Of all the above teams, the most entertaining trade would absolutely be if the Bears dealt their pick to the Texans. After all, Houston had that number 1 pick in their grasp all the way up until Week 18.

Until they didn’t.

Former Texans head coach Louie Smith threw the Bears a bone while knowing his time would be up after the 2022 campaign.

The Falcons, meanwhile, just released Marcus Mariota and will be in major need of a quarterback as well.

The Colts, of course, could cut veteran Matt Ryan and save about $17 million against their cap and then, they would undoubtedly be going quarterback in this year’s draft. Even if they hang onto Ryan as a backup, quarterback is a clear-cut need.

The Bears are likely to get a haul for this selection, and if the building interest is only going to compound from here, Poles could be in for a historical return on this trade.