One Added Reason Ryan Poles' Trade With Carolina Was Brilliant

Ryan Poles' ultimate objective when trading the #1 overall pick was maximizing his value. That meant getting a large package of quality picks. However, he also wanted to secure his young quarterback a viable weapon at wide receiver. Two teams stood out as possibilities: the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. Indy had Michael Pittman Jr. and Carolina had D.J. Moore. The Colts proved unwilling to make Pittman available. For a time, the same was true of the Panthers. However, as free agency drew near, GM Scott Fitterer finally caved. The Bears received the 9th pick, 61st pick, a 1st in 2024, 2nd in 2025, and Moore.

That compensation was outstanding: three extra high-value selections and a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver for Justin Fields. Where it potentially becomes even better is the team Poles chose to deal with. The Panthers finished 7-10 last season. Since the November NFL trade deadline, they have lost their two best offensive players in Moore and Christian McCaffrey. Here is a look at their current lineup.

Not encouraging. What makes it worse is free agency won't help them much at wide receiver or tight end. They're currently projected to start a rookie at quarterback and are breaking in a brand new coaching staff on top of it. There is a strong possibility Carolina has as bad or even a worse record than last year.

That means Ryan Poles may have a top 10 pick in 2024.

Nothing is predictable about the NFL. Carolina could somehow make a playoff run. However, based on the current makeup of their roster and the fact they'll be leaning on a rookie QB, it's hard to imagine them doing much better than 7-10. For several reasons, having a top 10 pick next year could be hugely beneficial for the Bears. It would put Poles in a premium position to land a blue chip talent at a position of need. Maybe he'll have a shot at Ohio State superstar receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Or, if Fields struggles next season, it will put the team in a position to go after one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

One couldn't ask for better flexibility. Ryan Poles played his hand about as perfectly as one could ask. Now he will have to see if his good luck holds this season. Having two 1st round picks is already outstanding value. If one lands in the top 10, it would be a boon for the Chicago Bears.