The Chicago Bears weren’t able to finish the 2023 campaign on a high note, losing to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 18. A victory by the Bears would have kept their long-time rivals out of the postseason, but they fell short of that goal.
Instead, Chicago saw their record to drop to 7-10 on the season. Despite finishing three games under .500, this was a step in the right direction for the franchise. The team played relatively well after a tough 0-4 start which had head coach Matt Eberflus on the hot seat.
Finishing the season 7-6, which includes a stretch without starting quarterback Justin Fields, is an impressive feat for the team. There are a lot of positives to build upon heading into the 2024 offseason, but the team has some major decisions to make.
NFL News & Rumors: Ryan Poles, Justin Fields, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
The biggest one will be what to do with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears own that selection courtesy of the Carolina Panthers, who included their first-round pick, along with wide receiver D.J. Moore, as part of their package to trade up and select Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That trade has a chance to set the Bears on an excellent path for years to come. Not only are they reaping the benefits of the deal already, but it could also be the gift that keeps on giving. According to some NFL insiders, the cost to acquire the No. 1 pick will be more than it cost the Panthers to move up last year.
According to Peter King, that is just too much for the team to pass up on. King, via WBG84 on X, formerly Twitter, shared that he expects Bears general manager Ryan Poles to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
NFL News & Rumors: Ryan Poles, Justin Fields, 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Updates
This is a huge decision, as the Bears could reset their quarterback salary clock and select one of the top players in this year’s class. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are considered the consensus top two quarterbacks, but Jayden Daniels could also be in the mix.
While King didn’t share this as part of his report, trading the No. 1 pick by extension means Fields will remain the team’s starter in 2024 and likely beyond. There are only so many times a team will have the opportunity to select a quarterback this high in the draft, but from the sounds of it, the Bears are comfortable passing on it for a second time to stick with Fields.
Instead, they will look to continue building the roster up around him while adding what will be a treasure trove of assets. Multiple premium draft picks should be on their way to Chicago from whichever team pays the price to move up to No. 1.
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