The Chicago Bears could be on the move in the 2023 NFL Draft again. After trading the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers, general manager Ryan Poles left open the possibility he'll trade back from No. 9, too.
In a recent interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Poles said the offer would have to be right.
“We’re open to that,” Poles said of trading down. “It depends on what the deals look like, but there’s also multiple drop-offs as you go back throughout the draft. So we might not think that’s the best way to go because a certain drop-off at a certain premium position might be coming up soon. We stay fluid.”
Poles has remained true to his process throughout the 2023 NFL offseason. He hasn't overspent in free agency, and he was calculated with the biggest NFL draft trade in franchise history.
Part of that calculation was placing more value on quantity over quality. Regardless of how great Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. may be, he, alone, won't be enough to rebuild the Chicago Bears.
“You do the calculations: Is that one player gonna help us more than having the opportunity to add multiple players?” Poles said. “To be good in this job, you can’t fall in love with one player. Guys like Will Anderson, when they’re out of reach, that’s always hard because you do become a fan of some of these players."
Chicago Bears will have plenty of options at No. 9
Anderson and Georgia's Jalen Carter were the popular choices for the Chicago Bears when they had the first pick. With Carter's recent off-field issues, Anderson would've been a virtual lock at No. 1 if Chicago remained on the clock.
The Bears should have their choice of offensive lineman at No. 9. Poles and several high-ranking Bears' personnel and coaches attended the Ohio State and Northwestern pro days. Paris Johnson Jr. and Peter Skoronski were the main attractions for Chicago.
But that's only if they stay at No. 9. Perhaps a team like the Tennessee Titans (No. 11) or Houston Texans (No. 12) wants to move up a few spots; the Chicago Bears may be open for business.
Ryan Poles has proven this offseason that his judgment is worthy of Bears fans' trust. It'll be in the team's best interest if he slides back again.