NEWSLETTER
The new league year has been open for a little more than an hour, which is leading to a flood of news becoming officially official.
Among the most notable transactions to officially go through is that Bears-Panthers trade that is bringing star receiver D.J. Moore to Chicago. And with that becoming officially official, we finally have Bears GM Ryan Poles’ first public comments on the trade via the Bears’ official site:
“Having the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft gave us a tremendous opportunity to take steps forward this season and in our plan of building long-term,” Poles said, via the Bears’ official website. “We are excited about the additional picks acquired, including staying in the top 10 selections this year, but also the addition of a proven and dynamic playmaker in DJ Moore. We had multiple aggressive offers to consider, but in the end it felt right for both teams in what Panthers GM Scott Fitterer presented and it keeps us in an area of this year’s draft that we really like.”
Remember when Poles laid out what he thought he could get for the first pick? Because I do.
And I remember thinking that getting a first-round pick swap, additional first-rounders in 2024 *AND* 2025, and still being in a spot to pick a blue-chip talent felt like a large task. Not impossible, but not easy. Then Poles went out and got pretty much that exact package from Carolina. Remarkable stuff for a second-year GM. A true masterclass in asset management. Heck, the inclusion of D.J. Moore in the deal gives me a strong place to argue that Poles did better than what he was even expecting. Although Poles did say he had eyes on making a deal that brought the Bears picks *AND* players during Combine Week. So, to that end, it is a mission accomplished for Poles. A pat on the back for a job well done is in order.
And yet, more should be coming. Not by a long shot. Certainly not when the Bears have as many needs as they do. They’re along the offensive and defensive line, in the secondary, and sprinkled throughout the roster. But I suppose that is why Poles was insisting on picks and players as part of his trade haul. The more spins at the wheel, the more chances to land on a winner. In the end, nothing was getting done until that first pick was sent packing. That the Bears got a ton in return provides a nice launch point to start the new league year on the right foot. Hopefully, the best is yet to come. Although, we’re off to a good start.
