Bears Looking at Massive Potential Trade Haul for No. 1 Pick

While the 2023 NFL season still has one week to go, the Chicago Bears' campaign is essentially over. The Bears are officially mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, meaning it's now three straight seasons without a playoff appearance and 13 years without a postseason victory.

While the season was frustrating, it's not with a silver lining. After all, the Bears currently hold the No. 1 selection at the 2024 NFL Draft after acquiring two first-rounders (and two other picks) from the Carolina Panthers, who moved up to select Bryce Young first overall last April.

But as with any team drafting at No. 1, rumors have swirled about the Bears potentially trading the pick and what a potential return might look like. Fortunately for the curious Chicago fans out there, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has an answer.

Bears Rumors: 2024 First Overall Pick Trade Value

According to Fowler, the Bears could get back quite the haul if they move the 2024 draft's first-overall selection. League sources told the reporter that Chicago could likely receive three first-round picks (one in 2024, two future) and either an affordable roster player or a Day 2 selection in a potential deal.

What's impressive is that's an even better return than what the Bears received for moving the first overall selection in 2023 to the Panthers.

"If the Bears traded the first pick, the return could be immense. Several executives agree Chicago could net more than it did in the Panthers trade, and from a prospective trade partner already picking in the top five. "

- Jeremy Fowler

It isn't hard to see why the first-overall pick is highly coveted. USC's Caleb Williams and UNC's Drake Maye are viewed as game-changing quarterback prospects and the two of the likeliest names to be selected at No. 1. QB-hungry teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots — two teams that currently hold top-5 picks — would love to draft one of the aforementioned duo, which could lead to a bidding war in Chicago's favor.

After all, the Bears could still potentially draft one of Williams or Maye if they trade with one of those teams while also stockpiling the cupboards with two more first-rounders.

At the end of the day, the chances of the pick moving hinge on how the Bears view Justin Fields. While the 24-year-old QB has shown promise here and there, he's only led Chicago to a 10-27 record since the start of 2021. Considering how he'll be entering the final year of his rookie deal and the Bears are still undecided about his fifth-year option, a divorce could be on the horizon.

Needless to say, the next few months are crucial for Bears general manager Ryan Poles & Co. Management must do their due diligence when it comes to deciding on the QB of the future because making the wrong decision could extend the playoff drought in the Windy City.

Whether it's keeping or trading the No. 1 pick, hopefully, the Bears make the right decision.