Seahawks Watch as Bears, Panthers Complete Blockbuster Draft Trade for No. 1 Pick
The Seattle Seahawks stood pat Friday as they were leap-froged in the 2023 NFL Draft order.
The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears made a blockbuster draft trade that sent Chicago's No. 1 pick to Carolina in exchange for the No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks this year along with a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and receiver DJ Moore.
The Seahawks, who hold the No. 5 selection in the draft, likely love or hate this move depending on which direction they plan to go with their first pick. The Bears have already stated that dual-threat standout Justin Fields is their future at quarterback, which made it highly unlikely that they were going to select a signal-caller at No. 1 before the trade.
Carolina now seems primed to do this instead, as a blockbuster trade like this would almost certainly signal that the Panthers want a quarterback.
If the Seahawks feel that selecting a quarterback like CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson or Will Levis at No. 5 - something that coach Pete Carroll has made sure to emphasize - then this trade could hurt their chances of getting the guy they want.
However, it Seattle wants to target elite pass-rushers like Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter, who are expected to go at the top of the draft, then this trade could be seen as beneficial.
After the Panthers, the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts round out the top four, respectively. The Cardinals are the only team of this group unlikely to take a quarterback, leaving the Seahawks with a chance to select one of Carter, Anderson Jr., or even Tyree Wilson.
But with Friday's trade, Young, Richardson and Stroud could all be off the board in the first four picks. The Seahawks will need to figure out their draft plan, if they haven't already.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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