How the Chicago Bears' trade helps fast track the rebuilding process
The Bears’ blockbuster trade moves Chicago one step closer to a successful rebuild.
The Chicago Bears stole the show on Friday with a blockbuster trade involving the No. 1 overall pick. By sending the first overall selection to the Carolina Panthers, Chicago came out of the deal with a healthy supply of draft capital along with a rising star in WR D.J. Moore.
It’s no surprise that general manager Ryan Poles ended up trading the top pick in the draft. But the return the Bears received should help the team expedite the rebuilding process.
Bears Trade Haul:
- No. 9 overall pick in 2023
- No. 61 overall pick in 2023
- First-round pick in 2024
- Second-round pick in 25
- WR D.J. Moore
Moore is the centerpiece in this deal. The Bears needed to provide QB Justin Fields with a legitimate weapon, and Moore accomplishes that. Plus, Chicago was able to bolster the receiving corps without setting the market in free agency.
Moore comes to Chicago with three years left on his contract. He will count $20 million against the capo in 2023 followed by cap hits of $16 million in 2024 and 2025. At 26 years old, Moore’s best days could be ahead of him.
In Carolina, Moore strung together three consecutive 1,100-yard seasons from 2019-2021. Quarterback play has been atrocious since he was drafted by the Panthers in 2018, but he managed to compile 888 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 63 catches last season.
Fields’ arsenal now includes Moore, Chas Claypool, Darnell Mooney and TE Cole Kmet. That is a group that should maximize Fields’ potential in 2023. If Poles can find ways to improve upon the offensive line, the offense will be in position to take off next season.
With many of the questions on offense hopefully being resolved this offseason, the Bears can continue to build its defense through the draft. There is plenty of young talent already on the defensive side of the ball, but if the Bears can land a high-profile pass rusher or two, this roster will resemble that of a contender.
