The Bears’ Trade-Up Options Are Growing (Dolphins, Broncos, Panthers, Cowboys, More?)

Rival general managers throughout the NFL reportedly view the Bears as a threat to trade up in the upcoming NFL Draft.

And while there is a non-zero chance this is a smokescreen in an attempt to drum up trade interest from others, Chicago has (1) desperation to trade up because of its quarterback needs and (2) an owner who is on record saying he reaches out to other NFL franchise owners for advice on how to run his team. In short, this feels like one of those situations where folks are hearing things and sharing those things with others before it all trickles down to us.

So, then, here’s your reminder to take everything with a grain of salt (always, but especially this week). But also, be aware of all possible routes. After all, by now, Ryan Pace has us conditioned to expect the unexpected.

With all that being said, it’s important to note that Chicago’s trade-up options appear to be growing.

We already know of Chicago’s reported interest in trading up with the Falcons, who own the fourth pick. But if that doesn’t come to fruition, others could come calling.

Dolphins— Miami owns the sixth pick. And while it has already made *TWO* trades around the first round, more could be on the horizon. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport hears the Dolphins have been taking calls from teams wanting to trade up to the sixth spot. Moreover, Rapoport adds it is a possibility the team is considering. There are plenty of balls in the air for Miami. For instance, it could trade back and up again if it so chooses. We’ve seen stranger things happen.

Consider this: The Dolphins could trade out of the sixth pick with the Bears. Then, it pivot with the 18th and 20th picks and move back up again. For this scenario to play out, the Dolphins would need (1) the right QB to be available and (2) another team wanting to trade out after Miami moves down. But with ample pick capital at their disposal, the Dolphins could make so much happen with their collection of picks.

Lions — LOL. Detroit isn’t trading a draft pick that could yield a potential franchise quarterback to a division rival. But please keep reading.

Panthers — Carolina owns the eighth pick, and ESPN’s David Newton reports the team is “very open” to moving back from that spot. With new ownership int its second year and a first-year GM, I can see the analytically inclined Panthers wanting to take advantage of a QB-starved team and load up on picks in the process. Should a quarterback fall to where they are picking at eight, the Panthers should have no shortage of suitors. General Manager Scott Fitterer told reporters “at least five teams” have discussed the possibility of trading up.

“We’ll have to look at the players that are available when we pick and how many of those players can help us that we’ve identified, how far we can trade back and still get one of those players without trading out of the [top] level,” Fitterer said. “We don’t want to trade out of a certain level where the talent dips.”

“We’ll see what the options are. We’re more than willing to listen to other teams, and if they want to offer picks and we can go back and get one of the players we want and get multiple picks to help build this team, that’s what we’ll do.”

Translation: If Carolina’s pick happens to be in a place where one of the top-5 quarterbacks in this class falls, the Panthers will be open for business. In other words, teams better be ready to take their best swing when the time comes.

Broncos — Benjamin Allbright, who is as keyed into the Broncos as any league insider, offers this:

In essence, Allbright is connecting the Bears and Broncos as possible trade partners. This is the second time in as many weeks that idea has been floated out there for our consumption. That’s … interesting, to say the least. After all, Denver has its own quarterback needs. But if the Broncos are more inclined to create competition to push incumbent Drew Lock rather than draft his possible replacement, I can see an opportunity for the Bears to move up.

Between Head Coach Vic Fangio and new GM George Paton (who was previously with the Vikings), the powers that be in Denver should have a good feel for Chicago’s situation.

Cowboys — I’ve long viewed the Cowboys as a possible trade partner. Although, I was hoping they’d finish higher in the draft standings than where they finished at No. 10. Nevertheless, there is potential for fireworks between Chicago and Dallas:

https://twitter.com/PFN365/status/1382811729529278472

If the right player doesn’t fall to them is doing a ton of the heavy lifting here. But that the Bears are a realistic trade-up possibility for the Cowboys if a QB is available at 10 is all I needed to hear. That’s likely the last scion of hope for Chicago if it comes to it. Part of me wants to think that it doesn’t come down to that. But I suppose if Justin Fields or Trey Lance happens to be available at No. 10, and the Bears wouldn’t have to trade as much to move up as they would to one of the other spots, then so be it. The juice could be even more worth the squeeze at that point.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

Latest News

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

Padres vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The San Francisco Giants (0-1), led by Jorge Soler, visit Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

The St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), led by Paul Goldschmidt, visit Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Los Angeles take on St. Louis.When...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, the New York Yankees (1-0) play Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch...

Rays vs. Blue Jays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

At Tropicana Field on Friday, Aaron Civale versus Chris Bassitt will be the pitching matchup when the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) play the Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), starting at 6:50 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

more bears news