The Chicago Bears have a tough decision between now and the NFL Draft. The Bears have the top pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago got the #1 pick from the Carolina Panthers due to their trade a year ago. Carolina selected Bryce Young, and the Bears got the Panthers top pick along with D.J. Moore. When teams have the top pick of the draft they’re usually in need of a franchise quarterback. Chicago has one in Justin Fields, but they must decide if they want to keep him or trade Fields away. If Chicago keep Fields, they can draft the best player with the first pick. They could also trade down to acquire more draft capital. If they keep Fields, they will have to pick up his 5th year option and negotiate a long term deal.
If Caleb Williams is drafted the rookie scale is reset for another four years. Caleb Williams is expected to be the #1 pick even before he declared for the draft. The big question now is, what should Chicago do? They are in a crazy predicament, and this will define their franchise for at least the next 10 years. Below are 3 options the Chicago Bears have with the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Keep It and Draft the Best Player
The first option for the Bears is to keep the top pick in the draft. They could draft Marvin Harrison Jr. and put him opposite D.J. Moore. They would immediately be one of the best duos in the league. D.J. Moore had a good season with the Bears despite commanding a lot of attention. With this option, it means the Bears are invested in Fields and would likely offer a long term deal.
Keep It, Trade Justin Fields, and Draft Caleb Williams
Chicago could keep the #1 pick and choose to trade Justin Fields. I’ve put together about 6 teams that could be interested in Fields if he became available. Calbe Williams or even Drake Maye would be the choice for the Bears. Caleb Williams has been called a generational talent with one former GM saying he’d choose him Peyton Manning. Chicago is in a good position to make a huge jump. If they draft Caleb Williams it will reset having to pay a huge contract to a quarterback for about 4 years. The Bears have a lot of cap space to build around Williams for the next couple of years.
Trade Pick for More Draft Capital
This is another way the Bears keep Justin Fields. Chicago can trade the #1 pick for a quarterback needy team and stock up draft capital. The Bears could draft some young guys to fill some of the holes they have. With the Bears having the 5th most cap space they should be active during free agency.
What do you think the Bears will do with the top pick? What do you think they should do? Leave some feedback below about anything related to the Bears and draft.
