What could the Carolina Panthers potentially offer the Chicago Bears for the coveted No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers are currently leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of finding a franchise quarterback. Something the organization has desperately craved since Cam Newton departed under a cloud in 2020.
A series of failed trades and free-agent signings leave the Panthers facing a clean slate once again. Thankfully, there appear to be far more shrewd football minds in the building now that Matt Rhule isn’t complicating matters.
General manager Scott Fitterer is calling the personnel shots with leading voices from others including Dan Morgan and head coach Frank Reich. While a veteran hasn’t been ruled out entirely given their interest in Derek Carr, all signs point to landing a gifted prospect from the college ranks currently.
Carolina Panthers could trade up for a talented QB prospect
Fitterer stated that all options are on the table. However, it might be the year that the Panthers make a daring move up the pecking order from No. 9 overall if there is a consensus opinion within the building.
"“You gotta be aggressive. If you have a guy you have conviction on, go get him. You don’t wanna be reckless. But you wanna look to see what’s been done in the past, and if you have to give up some assets to go get him. I hope we’re not picking in the top 10 again, so it’s gonna be a lot more if you’re in 22 or something else at that point. This might be a year to do some things like that.”"
If the Panthers want to guarantee their pick of the quarterbacks, then striking a deal with the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall is the only way to accomplish it. They are looking to move down according to multiple reports, and the last time Carolina selected first didn’t work out too badly after taking Newton out of Auburn.
On this topic, we put together three trade packages that the Panthers could offer the Bears in pursuit of the No. 1 overall selection in 2023.
Carolina Panthers trade offer No. 1
Scott Fitterer has a strong reputation for his negotiating skills during the draft. But if the Carolina Panthers don’t want to be cut short, this potential arrangement with the Chicago Bears needs to happen much sooner.
Chicago’s leading front office figure Ryan Poles confirmed as much during his media availability at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. The general manager stated that ideally, they’d like to have something confirmed one way or another before the start of free agency, which would further strengthen their position with $98.02 million to spend.
"“There are some scenarios that might benefit us to move before free agency opens, potentially. But, again, when we get back with all the information that we’ve gathered from here, I think we’ll have a better direction. It’s really just kind of starter conversations right now; nothing specific about players, picks and all that. It’s just interest.”"
If this is the route Carolina goes down, it’s going to cost a significant amount of draft capital. But if they find their franchise player after countless seasons in quarterback purgatory, so what?
Three first-rounders over the next three years coupled with the second-rounder acquired from the Christian McCaffrey trade would give the Bears pause for thought. But even this might not be enough if a bidding war breaks out.
Carolina Panthers trade offer No. 2
If the Carolina Panthers do move up to No. 1 overall, then the chances of picking either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud are high. Extremely high, actually.
These are the top-two quarterbacks entering the NFL this year. Anthony Richardson could have the highest upside if everything comes together, but Young and Stroud arrive at the next level with Day 1 starting potential.
Given the traits Frank Reich normally goes for in his quarterbacks, Stroud could be the man. Although Young’s majestic ability to produce consistently cannot be ignored despite obvious concerns about his durability.
Getting the first pick is crucial. After that, discussions can heat up between those in power before eventually settling on someone that can hopefully steer the Panthers back to prominence.
Perhaps a deal consisting of two first-round picks, the No. 39 overall selection, and a 2024 second-rounder to boot might be enough. But after hitching their wagon to Justin Fields thanks to a promising 2022 campaign, the Chicago Bears are in an extremely strong bargaining position.
Carolina won’t want the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, or even the Atlanta Falcons to beat them to the punch. So the time to act has already arrived.
Carolina Panthers trade offer No. 3
Should the Carolina Panthers decide that C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young is the guy, then trading with the Chicago Bears is the only viable option. Anything else and the franchise would be running a huge risk of losing both.
As stated previously, the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons are reportedly examining the prospect of moving up according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Houston Texans are almost guaranteed to take a signal-caller at No. 2 overall, which leaves the Panthers with Will Levis or Anthony Richardson as their remaining options.
While both come with potential, they are unlikely to be ready to start in Week 1 as rookies. Therefore, acquiring a veteran bridge or retaining Sam Darnold is of paramount importance.
The time for half measures is over. Scott Fitterer’s seen and been complicit in multiple failed quarterback moves since joining the organization and if he cannot rectify this with a long-term plan for legitimate hope, he could follow Matt Rhule out of the door.
Offering the Chicago Bears two first-round picks, a pair of second-rounders coupled with a third-rounder seems like reasonable compensation to move up eight spots. But this is not a period of the offseason for hesitancy – the Panthers must decide what they want and strike with conviction.
Anything else is malpractice at a time when stability is needed more than ever.