(670 The Score) Those in Chicago have understood since the end of Week 18 of the 2022 season that the Bears’ ideal scenario is to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for a big haul. It appears the rest of the NFL community is now realizing that as well.
The Bears are “leaning toward” trading the No. 1 pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Monday morning. That nugget came as no surprise, but of note was a detail. Multiple teams have approached the Bears recently about the No. 1 pick, Schefter reported.
The interest in the Bears’ top selection only figures to increase this week, as the NFL Combine is set to begin in Indianapolis. In addition to giving executives the ability to evaluate talent, the combine also serves as a golden opportunity for teams to lay the groundwork for potential trades down the line.
At his season-ending press conference on Jan. 10, Bears general manager Ryan Poles subtly put up a “for sale” sign on the No. 1 pick.
“If the phones go off and there are certain situations where (a trade) can help us, then we’ll go down that avenue too,” Poles said. “I think we have really good flexibility to help this team, regardless if it’s making the pick there or moving back a little bit or moving back a lot. We’ll be open to everything.”
Poles is scheduled to address reporters at the NFL Combine at 9 a.m. CT Tuesday. Coach Matt Eberflus will hold a media session later in the day.
The 2023 NFL Draft will begin April 27 in Kansas City.
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