In the weeks leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears sat in the top spot with the No. 1 overall pick. The Bears knew they had the golden ticket for an NFL franchise wanting to pluck their future franchise QB, and Chicago’s front office notified any teams interested that they were open for business.
Rumors circulated that several teams made inquiries with Chicago, but it was the Carolina Panthers from the ninth selection who made the bold move to trade up to the No. 1 spot to select their future franchise signal-caller.
The cost to move up proved expensive, but if the Panthers’ No. 1 selection is the franchise QB they long-awaited, the trade would be worth it. Carolina selected Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young with the top pick. Was it the right move? Why did Chicago move off the top selection? We explore the variety of storylines associated with the Young trade.
Bryce Young Trade Details
Bears received:
- 2023 first-round pick (No. 9 overall — became Darnell Wright in a trade down to the 10th selection with the Philadelphia Eagles)
- 2023 second-round pick (Tyrique Stevenson, CB)
- 2024 first-round pick
- 2025 second-round pick
- WR DJ Moore
Panthers received:
- QB Bryce Young (2023 No. 1 Overall Pick)
Why Did Chicago Trade the No. 1 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Bears have Ohio State legend Justin Fields under center. The Chicago brass wanted another season, at least, to evaluate their talented signal-caller. Fields is far from a completed project, but he has tantalizing tools most QBs could only dream of. The Bears wanted to ensure they gave Fields the chance to develop into the franchise QB he could be.
MORE: Why Did the Panthers Draft Bryce Young Over C.J. Stroud?
One way to best evaluate Fields was to surround the talented flame thrower with weapons. The Bears previously sent a 2023 second-round selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for versatile offensive weapon Chase Claypool. The Claypool trade has been horrific for Chicago, but if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
The Bears saw an opportunity to pry WR DJ Moore from the Panthers. The Panthers didn’t want to give up Moore in the trade, but the Bears sensed desperation and held firm that the talented receiver had to be included in the trade, or the deal was off. Eventually, the Panthers caved, sending their top offensive weapon in the deal to acquire Young.
The Bears also wanted optionality. The Bears front office knew if they traded the top pick, they would receive Moore, but also plenty of draft capital to go with the player.
Chicago knew if they had multiple first-round selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, they would have the proper ammunition to trade up in the draft for another signal-caller if Fields were to fail.
Who Won the Bryce Young Trade?
The jury is out, but it’s not looking good for the Panthers. Young has been a moderate disappointment in 2023, and when compared to the player selected after him, Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud, it appears Carolina chose the wrong guy.
Chicago has Moore as their top pass catcher, Darnell Wright to anchor one side of their offensive line, and a bevy of picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including Carolina’s, which could be No. 1 overall.
Chicago could walk away with Caleb Williams at the top of the draft and the rest of the picks the Panthers sent their way. If the Bears select the Heisman Trophy-winning QB from USC at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, this could be one of the greatest heists in NFL history.
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