In a surprising move, the Chicago Bears traded away their coveted No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver D.J. Moore, as well as the No. 9 and No. 61 picks in the upcoming draft, and first and second-round picks in the 2024 and 2025 drafts. This comes after discussions with multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, who were reportedly unwilling to meet the Bears' steep asking price.
The Athletic reported that the Bears were seeking a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, two future first-round picks, and a future second-round pick from the Raiders in exchange for the top pick. However, the Raiders deemed the asking price too high and never made a formal offer.
By trading for Moore, who has recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons despite playing with subpar quarterbacks, the Bears have secured a proven No. 1 receiving option to complement Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and Cole Kmet.
While the Bears may have received a more substantial haul of draft picks had they waited closer to draft day, they chose to trade early and focus on acquiring proven talent rather than relying solely on draft prospects. This move allowed the Bears to quickly sign several key free agents, including Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Nate Davis, while also leaving them with the flexibility to address other needs in the upcoming draft.
As the draft approaches, it remains to be seen how the Bears will address their needs in the trenches, but it's clear that they are prioritizing proven talent over draft picks as they look to build a competitive team.
