Throughout the past couple of weeks, the buzz around the Chicago Bears has been consistently pointed in one direction. It involves two decisions by GM Ryan Poles. One is trading Justin Fields, and the other is taking a quarterback with the #1 overall pick. Caleb Williams is the heavy favorite in that scenario. However, the certainty with which these predictions are made has always been odd, especially since quarterback interviews ahead of the draft haven't even happened yet. Poles doesn't seem like the type to make such important decisions this early in the process.
Legendary NFL reporter Peter King announced on NBC Sports that he is retiring after almost 40 years. Amidst the many thank yous and memories he shared, he also happened to drop the first legitimate bombshell. Apparently, from what he's hearing, the common rumors around the Bears are wrong. He suggests things are trending in a different direction, one where Poles will again trade the #1 pick to the most QB-hungry teams, continuing to stack mountains of draft capital along the way.
He is the first national name to mention this.
"I suppose the Bears are going to trade the top pick. I know nothing, but that seems to be the way the wind is blowing. What I say: The Bears could keep Justin Fields (and should), and trade the first pick down once or twice, and build the kind of supporting cast a team needs to contend. Suppose GM Ryan Poles traded the top pick down one spot to Washington (which would take Caleb Williams), and got the second pick, a second-round pick and a 2025 first-round pick in return. Then suppose Poles traded the second pick to Atlanta at eight, and the Falcons picked one of the other quarterbacks. In return, Chicago gets the eighth pick, Atlanta’s second-round pick, and first- and second-round picks next year. Imagine moving from 1 to 8 and ending up with this draft haul.
The eighth and ninth (their own) overall picks in round one this year.
Second-round picks from Washington and Atlanta this year.
Three first-round picks and two second-round picks in 2025."
The Chicago Bears appear focused on the long game.
Remember, Poles came from Kansas City. Everybody talks about how Patrick Mahomes took them to the stratosphere. Here's the thing to remember: his success was set up years in advance thanks to the consistent roster building the Chiefs did dating back to 2013. During that span, they added vital pieces like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Chris Jones. They helped enable Mahomes to thrive right out of the gate. It was a big win for those who believe setting the table first is the right choice in quarterback development.
If King is right, the Chicago Bears game plan is simple. Pick up Fields' 5th-year option to make sure he's secure for the next two seasons. Then, work out a deal that nets them the highest possible return in a trade. It's been speculated for weeks that Washington is interested in the #1 pick, particularly after hiring Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator. He, of course, coached Williams at USC. Then Poles could run a bidding war for the #2 pick, knowing the equally QB-starved Patriots are sitting there at #3.
It's not a bad plan.
