The Chicago Bears seem to have their sights set on USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the top pick in the NFL draft, but GM Ryan Poles may have an unexpected move in mind. While Williams is widely regarded as the top player in the 2024 class, the Bears were notably present at Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s pro day on March 22. LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who surpassed Williams for the Heisman Trophy last season, and Drake Maye also remain prominent names among the top quarterbacks in most mock drafts.
With the recent trade of three-year starter Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick, the Bears are poised to select a quarterback with a high pick in the draft. However, Poles may be open to trading down a spot or two if he favors another player over Williams and can acquire a valuable draft asset in return.
This sets the stage for a proposed trade outlined by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report on March 24, in which the Bears would trade the top pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for their No. 2 selection and the 36th overall pick in the second round.
While Washington is reportedly open to trade inquiries for the No. 2 pick, they are cautious in their evaluation of quarterbacks. However, the Bears’ position may provide an opportunity for Washington to move up and draft Williams, who has roots in the D.C. area.
The key for the Bears would be to convince Washington that they are committed to selecting Williams with the top pick if no trade is reached. This may require a substantial offer from the Bears beyond just the Commanders’ second-round pick in 2024.
Ultimately, if the Bears can persuade Washington to consider their offer, securing Williams would provide a significant boost to the Commanders’ new era, despite the potential risk of trading away a second-round pick for a player they might have acquired anyway.
