Chicago Bears "Leaning Towards" Trading 1st Overall Pick

The Chicago Bears are apparently willing to give quarterback Justin Fields at least another year to prove himself. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears are mulling over multiple trade offers for the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and are "leaning towards" moving the pick.

Sources: The Bears already have been approached by multiple teams about trading the draft’s No. 1 overall pick, and Chicago is said to be “leaning toward” moving the pick. So the No. 1 pick now looks like it’s for sale. pic.twitter.com/2w03L6qP0L
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2023

Any trade-up for the first overall pick would probably be for a quarterback, most likely Alabama prospect Bryce Young, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2021. The Bears currently roster Justin Fields, who they drafted 11th overall in 2021. Should the Bears trade back, it must be read as a vote of confidence in Fields.

Fields was an exhilarating player in 2022; he came within 64 yards of setting a new record for rushing yards in a single season by a quarterback. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he was an effective quarterback. The Bears finished with the league's worst record because they ranked last in the league in passing yards per game (130.5), sack rate (13.3%), and interception rate (4.0%).

Fields isn't necessarily to blame for those miserable numbers. It's possible he could flourish as a passer if the Bears can improve the talent around him. Trading the first overall pick could help the team accumulate the assets they need to really test Fields' potential. If he bombs, they'll likely have a chance at a premium quarterback prospect in next year's draft, anyway.