Bears Trade No. 1 Pick in 2023 NFL Draft to Panthers, per Reports
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The Bears have traded the No. 1 pick in next month’s NFL draft to the Panthers in exchange for multiple first round picks, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that the Bears will receive the No. 9 pick and the No. 61 pick in 2023, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver DJ Moore.
It has long been the expectation that the Bears would move the top pick, which they clinched with a Week 18 loss to the Vikings. While the Bears struggled with injuries for much of the season on both sides of the football, it was clear that quarterback Justin Fields was coming into his own in his second professional season.
The former No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft enjoyed a breakout season, as he became a bonafide dual-threat under center. Fields played 15 games for the Bears, and amassed 2,242 passing yards, 1,143 rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns.
His rushing ability, which he put on full display in year two as a pro, unlocked a new level of potential for him in Chicago. The Bears, who were always hopeful that they had drafted their franchise quarterback in Fields, were convinced that he was the best man to lead their offense moving forward.
With that decision made, the Bears elected to trade the top pick for significant draft capital, while adding another receiving threat to Fields’s arsenal in Moore.
In five seasons with the Panthers, Moore has hauled in 364 receptions for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns.
As for the Panthers, they will now be in position to select one of the several top quarterback prospects available with the No. 1 pick. After selecting Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral with a third-round pick last year, Carolina will once again be in position to select another signal-caller in April.
