Trade Deal: The Bears engage in a strategic swap with a $21.5 million contract deal

The Chicago Bears enter the offseason with considerable flexibility in shaping their roster, potentially even trading their top pick for the second consecutive year. In a recent mock draft by Bill Zimmerman of SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron, the Bears envisioned trading the No. 1 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons, acquiring a substantial draft package in return, including two first-round picks.

Under the proposed deal, Bears’ General Manager Ryan Poles orchestrates a trade reminiscent of the previous year with the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons, strong believers in quarterback Caleb Williams, agree to the trade. The Bears, in return, secure the 8th overall pick, the 43rd overall pick, and the 74th overall pick. Additionally, the Falcons include their 2025 first-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick, and 2026 second-round pick. Wide receiver Drake London is also part of the package.

This move follows the Bears’ trend, having traded the top pick in 2023 to the Panthers, leading to the acquisition of this year’s No. 1 pick and wide receiver DJ Moore. Moore has since become the primary target for quarterback Justin Fields. If the proposed trade materializes, Fields would stay in Chicago, aligning with Moore’s preference.

London, a former first-round pick from USC, would likely assume the role of Chicago’s No. 2 wide receiver alongside Moore. Despite facing quarterback challenges in Atlanta, London has demonstrated promise, accumulating 141 receptions, 1,771 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 33 games. With two seasons remaining on his rookie deal and a fifth-year option, the Bears would have three cost-controlled seasons with London.

The acquisition of London, paired with the potential No. 8 pick, opens avenues for the Bears to enhance their passing game further. In Zimmerman’s scenario, the Bears could use the No. 8 pick to select top tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. This envisioned 12-person setting, featuring DJ Moore, Drake London, Cole Kmet, and Brock Bowers, is seen as a transformative move to provide quarterback Justin Fields with elite weapons and elevate the team’s offensive capabilities to new heights.