One Team Already Blowing Up Chicago Bears' Phones About #1 Pick

The Chicago Bears control the NFL draft for the second year in a row. GM Ryan Poles made it clear he's keeping all of his options open at present, including the idea of trading the pick again. Chicago already did it once before, dealing it to the Carolina Panthers for Bryce Young. In exchange, the Bears secured the 9th pick, two 2nd round picks, a 1st in 2024, and wide receiver D.J. Moore. Two of those picks became Darnell Wright and Tyrique Stevenson. Another became the #1 pick this year. With such a strong return for the organization, one would understand if Poles is tempted to do it again.

One thing is for sure. There is already interest if that is the case. According to draft insider Tony Pauline of Sportskeedia, the Denver Broncos are highly active in their efforts to find a way to move up from 12th overall to secure one of the top quarterbacks in this draft. Head coach Sean Payton has already made their intentions known after benching Russell Wilson to end the season. Expectations are that the former All-Pro will be cut or traded. Payton wants a QB of his choosing, and understands he may have to pay a hefty price to get him.

That may involve a pretty big sacrifice.

Last week in Frisco, Texas a rumor circulating the players' hotel at the Hyatt Regency had Broncos head coach Sean Payton looking for his new quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Payton wants one of the top passers- Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels...

...I was able to confirm the Broncos are interested in moving up for their quarterback of the future yet such a move would come at an enormous cost and it’s very unlikely to happen...

...At present time there’s little wiggle room for any of those teams willing to move down unless a blockbuster deal is placed in front of them. And a blockbuster deal from the Denver Broncos would surely include cornerback Patrick Surtain. I’m told while the franchise doesn’t want to trade Surtain, they would consider moving the corner only as a last result to secure one of the top passers.

The Chicago Bears certainly have to feel enticed.

Try to imagine a defense with Patrick Surtain Jr. and Jaylon Johnson on it. Two of the NFL's best young cornerbacks getting to play together. That would make the Bears significantly tougher to play against, probably making them one of the most formidable defenses in the league. Remember, they were already #1 at stopping the run in 2023. This acquisition, along with a potential second pass rusher could rock the defense into the league's elite. One has to imagine Poles is at least intrigued by the idea.

In truth, the Broncos sitting at 12th overall and their lack of draft capital makes this trade unlikely. It would take more than just Surtain to justify moving all the way down from #1. All signs point to the Chicago Bears staying at that spot and taking a new quarterback. Yet even if they did choose to move down, it's likely they would prefer not to drop too far, hoping to secure one of the top wide receivers expected to go in the top 10. So if Denver wants their guy, they will have to pray Washington or New England is open to the idea.