After all the different rumors surrounding the Bears trading down, it finally happened and they got a great package in return.
Written by: Chaim Cohen
March 10, 2023
With only one playoff appearance in the last 7 years, the Panthers are deciding to make the move to give them their first franchise quarterback since Cam newton.
Panthers receive:
The #1 Overall Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
Bears receive:
Pick No. 9 of the 2023 Draft
Pick No. 61 of the 2023 Draft
A first-round draft pick in 2024
A second-round pick in 2025
D.J. Moore (Wide receiver)
Why the Panthers Traded Up
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, these trade talks have been back and forth between these two teams ever since the combine. Ever since the Panthers lost in Super Bowl 50 they have been in going nowhere but down and they hope this will be the move that changes their trajectory. While yes, they gave up a lot and maybe too much, they view this as the proper opportunity to get who they think can be their QB for the next decade. The last time we saw a team do something similar was just two years ago when we saw the Niners give up three first-round picks as well as a third. In the NFL having a legit franchise quarterback is priceless and the Panthers are confident that now they will get that guy so even if it cost a lot they are coming away happy because they believe they are getting their quarterback who can lead them out of this hole. As far as who that is, reports have come out that apparently David Tepper, team owner, wants Bryce Young, and Frank Reich, head coach, wants CJ Stroud but each will be happy with either. However, it's going to be very tough for whoever it is to look good. We have to take into account that they will be coming into a weaponless offense, now that they lost their sole threat in D.J. Moore. I'm not quite sure how they will manage to get weapons to help their new QB out, considering they traded all their assets but I'm sure at some point in the next few years they'll make a splash to get someone. The Panthers just need to do all they can to create a winning environment around this team and thankfully for them, this will be easier considering they are in the NFC South A.K.A. the worst division in football.
What this means for the Bears
For the Bears, this was a Win. The Bears made the deal they had to get done. Given that the Bears have their guy at QB already the #1 pick held little value to them in comparison to most team in the first round. Due to this, it's been rumored that they were going to trade down it's just been a matter of what they would get in return. As far as picks go they got good picks. In this year's draft, they will still be tp m10 at 9th overall and they get the Panthers first rounder next year as well as their second in '25. Considering the Panther's current roster construction, even with a new QB, they will be towards the bottom of the league again so the Bears will be in a gd position in next year's draft. On top of the draft picks they did what they needed the most, got Justin Fields a receiving weapon. D.J. Moore has really made the most of his situation as a receiver in Carolina. Although he caught the most touchdowns this season in his career (7), Moore had his fewest receiving yards since his rookie year (888 yards) and broke his three-year streak of 1000+ receiving yard seasons. This isn't actually concerning because the quarterbacks he was catching balls from were Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and P.J. Walker. Justin Fields really stepped it up this year as he proved to be a dual threat adding 1,143 yards and 8 TDs on the ground. While his throwing stats were underwhelming at 2,242 yards (T-26), 17 TD (T-16), and 11 interceptions (T-22), everyone knows he has one of the strongest arms in the league and he has just lacked a true receiving threat. Now he will also face fewer stacked boxes because the Bears will be able to do damage through the air and while he may run less now, he will have more efficient runs because the defense will have to also keep an extra eye on D.J. Moore. This trade means a major upgrade for both Justin Fields and D.J .Moore as they both hope to reach the playoffs for the first time in their careers.
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