Insider Reveals Bears Closer To Trading #1 Pick Than People Think

NFL history suggests the big trades involving top five draft picks usually don't happen until late March or early April. This is when free agency is underway and most of the college pro days have concluded. However, something strange is happening down at Halas Hall. GM Ryan Poles expressed confidence that the market for the #1 overall pick is strong. He's spoken to at least three teams and believes he can get at least a 1st round pick in both 2024 and 2025 were he to move down. That by itself is huge for the Bears' future prospects.

It gets even better. Rich Eisen appeared on his podcast to discuss what he heard down at the scouting combine. Remember, the longtime analyst hosted the event for NFL Network. He's well-connected around the league and very rarely revealed any inside information. So it was quite eye-opening when he stated the growing buzz is the Bears are far closer to trading the pick than people believe. There is a very real possibility it could get done even before free agency if the right offer is made.

The Chicago Bears seem open to moving quickly at the right price.

Poles stated he doesn't mind trading the pick before free agency. However, the other team will have to pay for the privilege. The belief is any deal would have to involve a veteran player in the package. Likely somebody that helps at a position of need for the Bears. Tennessee and Carolina are two teams mentioned as possible contenders. Both need quarterbacks. Both have players they can offer that would entice Chicago. The Panthers have Brian Burns, and the Titans have Jeffery Simmons. Either would be a huge addition to the Bears' defense.

There are many layers to this process. It's hard to deny momentum is building. Poles has said he doesn't mind waiting. He knows the leverage he has. Quarterback options are already slipping away. Derek Carr signed with New Orleans. Seattle retained Geno Smith. Unless Baltimore makes Lamar Jackson available, the only possibilities left are Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Garoppolo. One is in his 40s on a monster contract. The other is a game manager that can't stay healthy.

The Chicago Bears hold the golden ticket and they know it. Teams are scrambling to get it.