NEWSLETTER
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles made it clear upon arrival that he wanted to build this organization through the draft.
And even though every general manager says that when they get their new gigs, it sounds like Poles will have a unique opportunity to do so soon.
In a recent video update, long-time Chicago sports reporter and personality David Kaplan shares what he has been hearing. And it sounds like the Bears are going to be flooded with interest to get the No. 1 overall pick:
“Well, folks, sources around the NFL say the Bears are going to be inundated with phone calls. There are a lot of teams ready to pay a stiff price to get the Bears’ No. 1 pick. It certainly looks like the Bears are all in on Justin Fields. In fact, the Colts reportedly ready to put a deal together that could include wide receiver Michael Pittman, potentially another player, and a bevy of draft picks. The Texans and others also expected to make strong offers to get all the way up to the top.”
This is where the fun begins. It begins with Poles opening his phone lines and listening to any and all offers for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Simply put, trading the pick is the most effective way to build up a treasure chest of draft picks that could help build out a roster that desperately needs fresh blood. And as of now, it sounds like Poles can pit the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts against each other and create a bidding war. Want a shot at Alabama quarterback Bryce Young? Pay up. Have an interest in Kentucky’s Will Levis? Make an offer Poles can’t refuse and the pick will be yours. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than it needs to be. Just blow the Bears’ socks off and you’ll get your pick.
The most intriguing trade option might be an offer Kaplan was hinting at from the Colts that could include wide receiver Michael Pittman (he was hanging out with Bears wideout Velus Jones Jr. at a Pacers game recently), another player, and a collection of picks. By merely putting that out there into the universe, the Bears could turn to the Texans and leverage that offer into something of equal or greater value. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil wants to reset the market and is a year away from free agency. The Bears could help him reach that goal. Could Poles try to pry him from the Texans in a deal? It is a wild thought, to be sure. But these are the Texans we’re talking about and that franchise has done wackier things.
This is just the beginning of us tracking trade rumors surrounding the Bears and the first overall pick. They won’t be going away any time soon. And, frankly, I’m here for it. By the time March and April roll around, the asking price for the first overall pick could get so absurd that it might break our brains. And if someone matches it, then I imagine we’ll have a fun NFL Draft weekend ahead of us.
You can watch Kaplan’s full video below:
