Bears Secure 23-Year-Old Pass Rusher and Four High-Value Draft Picks through Trade Negotiation

On the February 20th episode of ESPN's "Get Up," Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL executive, put forward a trade idea aimed at convincing Ryan Poles, the Bears' general manager, to part with the No. 1 overall draft pick. The deal would involve the New York Giants sending Thibodeaux and a significant selection of draft picks to Chicago.

Tannenbaum suggests that the Bears could receive defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 6 overall pick in the next draft, a second-round pick in 2024, and first and second-round picks in 2025, in exchange for the top pick.

This proposal offers a substantial return. But would Poles consider it?

Pairing Kayvon Thibodeaux with Montez Sweat could significantly enhance the Bears' defense. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, moving away from the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft would require a monumental offer. A source described the necessary deal as 'crazy.'

The combination of two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a rising star in pass rushing might just sway Poles. However, the decision hinges on whether the Bears are looking to replace quarterback Justin Fields with a new prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

Harry Douglas, a former NFL wide receiver, expressed skepticism about the deal from the Bears' perspective, highlighting it as a missed opportunity to secure a franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, NFL insider Jeff Darlington doubted the Giants' willingness to proceed, given their financial commitment to Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback.

Thibodeaux, the Giants' No. 5 pick from Oregon in 2022, had a promising start. Despite a modest rookie year, he was a contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year and improved significantly in his subsequent season. Analyst Brett Kollmann noted that while Thibodeaux's sack count was impressive, only a fraction came against starting offensive linemen in direct matchups.

With two years left on his rookie contract, plus a potential fifth-year option, Thibodeaux presents a financially prudent choice for the Bears, avoiding the need for an immediate expensive extension.

While Poles is likely leaning towards using the No. 1 pick for a quarterback, the possibility of trading it for a package as significant as Tannenbaum's proposal, or even greater, remains. Should such a trade occur, securing a top-tier player in return will be a priority for the Bears' management.