The Chicago Bears currently hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving them significant control over the selection process. If the Atlanta Falcons are interested in acquiring this top pick, they may face a substantial hurdle in terms of cost.
While the Bears have been linked to USC quarterback Caleb Williams, they are open to exploring trade possibilities for the No. 1 pick. This decision is partly influenced by the presence of Justin Fields on their roster, who could potentially be made available for trade as well.
The Bears are emphasizing the significance of a “historic” trade package that would be necessary to persuade them to part ways with the top pick. This suggests that any team looking to secure the No. 1 overall selection would need to offer a substantial and noteworthy trade package to entice the Bears.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, sources have indicated that the Chicago Bears would require a truly exceptional package of draft picks and overall compensation to consider moving off the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. One source even described the requirements as “crazy.” It’s worth noting that the Bears have strategically leaked information to Adam Schefter of ESPN, suggesting that they are expected to use the top pick on Caleb Williams.
By making it known that it would take something “crazy” to change their minds, the Bears aim to maximize the trade value for Williams, widely regarded as the top player in the upcoming draft. The strategy involves generating offers that begin at the “crazy” level.
As an example, the Atlanta Falcons currently hold the No. 8 overall pick, which could potentially serve as a starting point for trade discussions. However, it would likely take much more than just the No. 8 pick to meet the Bears’ high demands.
Indeed, looking back at the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers made a significant trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 overall pick. In exchange, the Panthers sent their first-round pick (No. 9), second-round pick (No. 61), their 2024 first-round pick (currently No. 2), and wide receiver D.J. Moore, who was their first-round selection in 2018. This trade allowed the Panthers to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the top pick.
This trade serves as a noteworthy precedent for blockbuster deals involving the No. 1 overall pick and highlights the kind of substantial compensation that teams have been willing to offer in order to secure their desired quarterback or top prospect. The Panthers’ trade package included multiple high-value draft picks and an established player, indicating the premium cost associated with acquiring the top pick.
You’re absolutely right. The trade made by the Carolina Panthers last year, giving up their first-round, second-round picks, their 2024 first-round pick, and a talented player like D.J. Moore, essentially amounted to three first-rounders and two second-rounders for the top overall pick. It was indeed a significant and “crazy” deal.
This past trade serves as evidence that if the Bears are not committed to selecting Caleb Williams as the face of their franchise and prefer to stick with Justin Fields or explore other options, they would be open to listening to trade offers. And given the historical context, it’s likely that the Bears would entertain offers that range from substantial to “crazy” once again. The value of the No. 1 overall pick holds immense weight in the NFL, and teams looking to secure a highly coveted prospect will need to present an enticing offer to sway the Bears.
