NFL Rumors: Bears Also Eyed Brian Burns, Derrick Brown in Panthers Trade for Top Pick

The Chicago Bears added a game-changing wide receiver in DJ Moore along with significant draft capital when they traded the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 draft to the Carolina Panthers, but general manager Ryan Poles reportedly also had his eyes on other players outside of just Moore.

According to Joseph Person, Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, Poles asked the Panthers about Moore, pass-rusher Brian Burns and defensive tackle Derrick Brown during negotiations.

"Usually young teams like that, they want all picks," Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer said. "In (Poles') situation, I think it helped that they had some cap space they needed to fill. And then they have a young quarterback that they need to figure out is he the guy going forward."

The Bears ended up landing the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in this year's draft, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick and Moore in the deal.

Chicago's front office was widely praised for the trade, which provided the rebuilding team with a multiple draft picks while also giving young quarterback in Justin Fields the go-to wide receiver he so desperately needed in Moore.

Wide receiver was a serious issue for the Bears last season as Fields continued his development from his first to second season, but they now have a potentially solid group with Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool along with the ability to add another pass-catcher in the draft.

Moore posted more than 1,100 receiving yards in three of his five seasons with the Panthers and figures to be his new team's No. 1 option during the upcoming campaign.

Yet it isn't surprising Poles asked Carolina about Burns and Brown considering it still needs to make strides along the defensive line.

The team made notable improvements at wide receiver with Moore and linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. It also made a handful of other moves, including the additions of offensive guard Nate Davis, running back D'Onta Foreman and tight end Robert Tonyan.

Yet the defensive line is still a glaring need.

The linebacker signings arguably make the defensive line an even bigger issue, since Edmunds and Edwards will need solid playmakers up front to occupy blocks and free up lanes to make tackles and generate pressure.

The Bears were last in the league in points allowed per game last season at 27.2 and could struggle on that side of the ball once again if they don't address the line during the draft. Burns and Brown would have helped address the need for more impact defensive players, but the Panthers held onto them during trade talks.