(670 The Score/WGR 550) - With the Bears being committed to Justin Fields under center moving forward, trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to a quarterback-hungry team to garner more future assets only made sense for Chicago.
That move now appears to be happening, as the Bears have reportedly agreed to trade the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that will land Chicago the No. 9 overall pick in 2023, wide receiver D.J. Moore and more draft capital.
In addition to the No. 9 overall pick and Moore, the Bears have landed a 2023 second-round pick at No. 61 overall, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles indicated at the NFL Scouting Combine last week that the team had serious interest in trading the top pick prior to the start of free agency.
“A clearer view of what we need," Poles said of the benefit. "And there’s scenarios where you could add players as well, potentially, which again, gives you some clarity on what you want to do in the draft and free agency.”
Moore, 25, had 63 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games in 2022. He had three big seasons before that, recording, at least, 1,157 receiving yards each year between 2019-21. Moore is under contract through the 2025 season.
NFL Free Agency negotiations can begin Monday at 12 p.m. ET. The Bears own north of $95 million in salary cap space, by far the most of any team in the league. Free agents can officially sign with new teams beginning Wednesday afternoon.
The NFL Draft will begin April 27 in Kansas City.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.