Insider Suggests Bears May Trade to Safeguard Caleb Williams

With the 2024 NFL draft looming next week, the conversation around the Chicago Bears is mostly about their No. 9 overall pick and the possibility of trading it for additional first-round selections. Yet, an intriguing alternative strategy has surfaced: could the Bears consider moving up in the draft order instead?

NFL Network's lead draft analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, recently suggested that the Bears could benefit from trading up from the ninth to the sixth pick with the New York Giants. This move would aim to secure Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt, enhancing their offensive line.

Currently, Braxton Jones holds the position of left tackle for the Bears, and while he's been competent, Jeremiah posits that Alt would provide a more robust, long-term solution for protecting presumed future quarterback Caleb Williams, who the Bears are expected to select with the No. 1 overall pick.

Jeremiah shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) on April 17, stating, "Chicago trades up from 9 to 6 to take Joe Alt. I know they have a functional LT right now, but Alt & [Darnell Wright] could be a formidable duo to protect Caleb for a decade."


Alt, a standout at Notre Dame, is considered the top offensive lineman of the 2024 draft class. Over three seasons as the starting left tackle, he allowed just four sacks and excelled as a run blocker. His significant size and length make him a dominant force on the line.

While the current left tackle, Jones, has been solid, Alt offers a potential cornerstone for the Bears' offensive line and is notably younger. Acquiring a talent like Alt could be a strategic move to solidify the team's future, particularly in protecting a new franchise quarterback.

The potential trade with the Giants could involve a swap of first-round picks for 2024 and possibly another draft selection in 2025. The specifics of what the Bears might offer or what the Giants would require remain speculative, but securing Alt could justify a significant trade. This move would underscore the Bears' commitment to building a robust offensive foundation around their upcoming top draft pick.