Bears' Top Hypothetical Trades to Make Splash in 2023 NFL Draft

Last month, the Chicago Bears made one of the biggest trades of the NFL offseason. And in doing so, they significantly changed how the 2023 NFL draft is likely to unfold.

That's because the Bears dealt the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to the Carolina Panthers, who sent back wide receiver DJ Moore and a package of four draft selections that included the No. 9 overall pick this year and a first-rounder in 2024. It was a wise move by Chicago to capitalize on the high selection, considering numerous teams need quarterbacks and it does not, with Justin Fields entrenched as its franchise QB.

But maybe the Bears aren't done dealing. Plenty of moves should occur before and during the 2023 NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City. Perhaps Chicago could even end up being involved in some of them.

Here's a look at several hypothetical trades the Bears could complete to make a splash either before or during the draft.

Trade Even Further Down to Acquire More Capital

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LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 17: General manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears addresses questions after Kevin Warren was introduced as Chicago Bears president and CEO at Halas Hall on January 17, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Buccaneers receive: No. 9 overall pick

Bears receive: No. 19 overall pick, No. 50 overall pick, No. 153 overall pick

Chicago may have moved down from No. 1 to No. 9 in this year's draft, but that doesn't preclude it from tracking back again. In fact, it seems like a real possibility.

According to ESPN 1000's David Kaplan, the Bears may be "open for business" on trade offers for the No. 9 overall selection. And if Chicago is willing to deal it, it could acquire even more draft capital for this year and beyond.

The Panthers are likely to use the No. 1 pick on a quarterback. Maybe the Bears should try to deal with another QB-needy team, such as the Buccaneers, to try to get the best possible return package.

Because Chicago has so many holes to fill on its roster and isn't likely to be a playoff contender during the 2023 season, this could be its best decision. It would not be surprising at all if the Bears end up not using the No. 9 pick, just like they're not going to use their No. 1 overall selection.

Trade for Austin Ekeler

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball during the second quarter in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Chargers receive: No. 53 overall pick, No. 148 overall pick

Bears receive: RB Austin Ekeler

Want to know how Chicago could make the biggest splash? By working out a deal for Ekeler, who has been featured in some trade rumors throughout the offseason. The 27-year-old running back has made it publicly known he wants a long-term deal, and it's not clear if Los Angeles will give him that.

If the Chargers don't, perhaps they decide to trade Ekeler instead to get something in return before he potentially leaves via free agency next offseason. And if they're wanting to do that, the Bears should try to be among his suitors.

Ekeler rushed for 915 yards, recorded 107 catches for 722 yards and scored 18 total touchdowns in 17 games last season. He's among the top running backs in the NFL when he's at his best, which he often was during the 2022 campaign.

Even if Chicago has to part with substantial draft capital, it should try to trade for Ekeler if he's available, then try to sign him to a long-term deal. The Bears already lost David Montgomery to the Detroit Lions this offseason and are heading into the 2023 campaign with D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert in their backfield.

Trade for DeForest Buckner

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) waits for play to resume during the game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts on January 8, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Colts receive: No. 133 overall pick

Bears receive: DT DeForest Buckner

If Chicago wants to make a slightly less splashy trade for a player, it could try to land Buckner. The 29-year-old defensive tackle is still a solid player, and the Bears need to get stronger along their entire D-line as soon as possible.

Buckner has been featured in some trade rumors this offseason, so maybe the Colts would be willing to deal him. He still has two years left on his contract, but he brings a large cap hit along with him ($19.8 million in 2023 and $20.3 million in 2024).

Still having $37.7 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap, Chicago has the financial flexibility to add a player such as Buckner. And he would help upgrade the team's defense, as he recorded 74 tackles and eight sacks in 17 games last season.

The Bears shouldn't be willing to send a ton of picks to the Colts in exchange for Buckner. But if the asking price is right (such as an early Day 3 pick), then Chicago would likely be wise to try to work out this type of deal.