Sounds Like Chicago Bears Have A Quiet Contender For #1 Pick

When discussing the teams most likely to trade for the Chicago Bears' #1 overall pick, the same ones come up. It's Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Carolina. Those are considered the four worth watching. However, ongoing buzz suggests sleeper teams are hiding in the weeds that may take their shot depending on how the quarterback market shakes out. Atlanta at #8 is one. Tennessee at #11 is another. Yet there might be one team that not enough people are talking about.

Certain insiders have mentioned the Seattle Seahawks as a team that, while not an immediate threat to move up, might be one to watch. They have loads of extra draft picks courtesy of the Russell Wilson trade. If they want to move up, they can. Obviously, most will say that isn't happening. They will re-sign Geno Smith and move forward. Well, it might not be that simple. There are two complicating factors. One is that Smith may have a stronger market in free agency than anticipated. This could be raising his price tag. The other comes from draft insider Charlie Campbell.

Seattle may have eyes for a quarterback in this draft.

"After trading away Russell Wilson a year ago, it was a common belief that the Seahawks would be in the quarterback market during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, a surprisingly good 2022 season out of veteran Geno Smith led Seattle to the playoffs, and many have assumed that the free agent Smith will return to be the franchise's starter in 2023. That is likely, but the Seahawks are doing their due diligence on all the quarterback prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, and sources say that the Seahawks love Alabama quarterback Bryce Young...

...From speaking with Seahawks sources, it did not sound like the Seahawks were going to move on from Smith and give up the farm to move up for Young. However, Seattle is said to love Young, and if the franchise loses Geno Smith in free agency, that could change the organization's thinking."

The Chicago Bears have every reason to monitor Seattle.

Their situation is fascinating. Smith played really well for them last year. However, they have to ask the difficult question. Is he worth a multi-year commitment of $130 million over four years? That is likely what the quarterback is seeking, while the belief is Seahawks GM John Schneider was hoping more along the lines of $80 million. Yes, Smith had a good year, but he did cool off somehow during the second half, and he's only played one good season in his career. He also turns 33 years old in October.

Seattle can't guarantee they'll pick this high in the draft again for some time. They have good reasons to think they can get the most from Bryce Young. They won a Super Bowl with Russell Wilson, who is the same height. If other teams raise the price tag on Smith, they could pivot to the draft and make the Chicago Bears an offer no other team can match. That is two 1st round picks in the same draft. It is not the most likely scenario at the moment, but everything changes if Smith leaves for another team.