Raiders, Panthers or Colts, who could offer ‘small fortune’ for Bears’ #1 overall pick?
The 2023 NFL draft order was shaken up in the final week of the regular season when the Chicago Bears ascended to the No. 1 pick following a win from the Houston Texans. With the Bears already having a franchise quarterback in place with Justin Fields, it's likely they'll trade down with a team that wants a new quarterback.
For that reason, three teams emerged as favorites to trade with Chicago and get the first pick. The best offer will take the prize.
Let's see what the Las Vegas Raiders, the Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers can offer Chicago to move up in the draft.
Bears trade down: Panthers might be the favorites
Carolina has extra picks from the Christian McCaffrey trade who should be involved in a possible deal. The extra second-round pick acquired in the deal will be extremely helpful here, along with the ninth pick from the 2023 draft. The Bears will likely also demand a 2024 first-round pick to close the deal.
Indianapolis doesn't have the same fortune. They could offer two first-rounders and a second-round pick, but they don't have the luxury of extra picks like Carolina. It helps that they have the No. 4 pick, but Chicago will look for bigger things as they need to rebuild the entire roster. The Colts will have to measure how many future assets they can afford to give up just for a quarterback.
The Raiders' situation looks similar to the Colts, as they have a top 10 pick and a regular haul for this year. Las Vegas' roster situation is different, though. They have a roster with many superstars and will give preference to a seasoned veteran. Are they willing to risk a roster ready to compete with a rookie quarterback such as Bryce Young?
Comparing the three situations, the Panthers emerge as favorites. They just hired Frank Reich to be their new coach and would want a new quarterback to start a new era. With a great defense and a quarterback guru in Reich, this might be the perfect time to take a swing and move up in the draft.
When is the 2023 NFL draft?
The 2023 NFL draft will take place April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri. ESPN holds the broadcast rights.
The Chicago Bears have the first pick as they finished the season with a league-worst 3-14 record. The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick as punishment for multiple violations of the league's anti-tampering policy.
Also read: What can the Bengals learn from Eagles' trip to Super Bowl 57?