Three Mock Trade Proposals for the Panthers to Acquire No. 1 Pick

Getting an idea for what a Carolina-Chicago trade could look like.

Monday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Chicago Bears are "leaning toward" trading the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Given Carolina's glaring need at quarterback and their willingness to "take shots" this offseason, we could see Panthers GM Scott Fitterer attempt to facilitate a trade to move up to the top spot in the draft.

What could that trade look like? Here are a few proposals that I threw together.

Dream trade for Carolina

Bears get: No. 9, 2023 2nd round pick, 2023 4th round pick, 2024 1st round pick

Panthers get: No. 1

Analysis: This is probably the least likely as this will turn into an all out bidding war with several teams getting involved. Others such as the Texans, Colts, and Raiders will be better positioned to make the trade because Chicago won't have to fall that far down the board. In this scenario, others don't fall in love with a QB or just aren't willing to give up a ton to move up. This drives the price down considerably and Carolina gets exactly what they want without mortgaging the future.

Proposal that works for both teams

Bears get: No. 9, 2023 2nd round pick, 2023 3rd round pick, 2024 1st round pick, 2024, 2024 3rd round pick

Panthers get: No. 1, 2025 4th round pick

Analysis: This may be a tad too much but if Carolina wants to offer Chicago a deal that they can't pass up on, this is it. And to be honest, they're probably going to have to give up more than they would like to convince the Bears to fall clear to No. 9. If Fitterer feels comfortable with the core of this team and adds other pieces in free agency, then the only position that needs addressed is quarterback. At that point, he may be willing to give up a haul of picks.

Proposal involving Burns

Bears get: No. 9, DE Brian Burns

Panthers get: No. 1, 2024 3rd round pick

Analysis: For me, I'm only making this trade if I'm absolutely certain the QB I'm drafting is going to be not only the face of the franchise but a top five quarterback for the next decade. I'm also offering everything else possible before seriously discussing Burns. Elite pass rushers are hard to come by, so if I were Scott Fitterer, I would do everything I could to trade up for the top pick without having to deal Burns. 

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