Chicago Bears' Likely Asking Price For #1 Pick Just Leaked

Everybody knows the situation by now. The Chicago Bears hold the #1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. It is the second year in a row this is the case. Last year, GM Ryan Poles bucked tradition and traded the pick to Carolina for a massive package, including three additional picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore. One of those picks became #1 this year. Now, many are wondering if Poles might repeat the process again, trading it to the highest bidder for another gigantic package, likely even bigger than the one last year.

The obvious question for fans is much bigger. Adam Schefter of ESPN helped provide an idea during his appearance on Waddle & Silvy of ESPN 1000. He's stated the opinions around the league indicate Caleb Williams is the best quarterback in this class. Chicago is likely to take him. However, Poles is keeping the phone lines open if somebody wants to make an offer. Based on his understanding of the situation, the asking price will be astronomical. The starting point for a team like Washington, who sit at #2, would be two 1st round picks.

That is how serious this is.

The Chicago Bears seem to be making their stance crystal clear.

They are committed to staying at #1 and taking Williams. The only way that changes is if somebody comes forward with a true Godfather package, an offer they can't refuse. The question is whether any teams in striking distance would be willing to do that. Plenty of them are desperate for a quarterback, but desperation has limits. If the price tag to move down one spot is that high, one can only imagine what it would be to move outside the top five like last year. Perhaps this is Poles' way of saying if you want this pick, you'll need one in that range as well.

It's similar to what Ernie Accorsi did with Baltimore in 1983. He was open to trading John Elway, but only if a team could provide a pick in the top six as part of the package. This was necessary because he wanted another player in mind (Dan Marino). Poles likely feels the same, perhaps wishing to secure one of the other top quarterbacks or wide receivers. Either way, it doesn't appear the Chicago Bears will move off the #1 spot as easily as last time. If somebody wants it, they will have to make Poles say yes.