NFL Rumors: Bears Leaning Toward Trading No. 1 Draft Pick After 'Multiple' Inquiries

The Chicago Bears are open for business, and the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft is on the table.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Bears brass is "leaning toward" trading the No. 1 pick in April's draft and have had discussions with multiple teams, though it does not appear a deal is close.

The Bears remain committed to Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback, which puts the team in a position of power ahead of the draft. Several teams will be looking to trade up for their quarterback of the future, with Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's CJ Stroud, Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson being considered first-round prospects.

"We have flexibility where if there's opportunities where if we can turn that into a lot of players that come in and help us, we can do that," general manager Ryan Poles told reporters. "If it's staying put or really being selective with certain people, we can do that as well. I know my expectation, our expectation, is that we move the needle to be more successful. We can win some of these close games and bring in guys that can impact this football team."

The No. 1 pick has not been traded prior to the NFL draft since 2016 when the Los Angeles Rams moved up to select Jared Goff. The most recent time prior to 2016 came in 2001 when the Atlanta Falcons traded up to take Michael Vick with the top selection.

It's likely the Bears bide their time and wait until free agency plays itself out before making a trade. Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo lead a pack of veteran free agents at the quarterback position.

Once the dust settles on free agency, along with any potential blockbuster trades at the position, the market for the Bears' top pick will coalesce and serious negotiations can begin.