In 2024, the Bears will have the option to either choose a player with the first overall pick or trade for that pick.
If the Bears decide to retain Justin Fields, the value for the first overall pick is expected to be "immense," as reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. According to Fowler, NFL execs think the return on investment for the top selection this year will be more than what the Bears got in 2023 from the Panthers.
"If the Bears traded the first pick, the return could be immense," said Fowler. "From a potential trade partner previously selected in the top five, many executives believe Chicago might fetch more than what it received in the Panthers deal.
According to those executives, a top pick this year may be accompanied by two more first-rounders in the future, a variant of a Day 2 pick, and/or a top-tier senior player with a reasonable deal if the team wants to reach the top spot.
Just in case you forgot, the Panthers sent the Bears the first overall selection in exchange for quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers and Scott Fitterer traded wide receiver DJ Moore to the Bears in exchange for the following:
Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 9 overall selection in 2023, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025, and a first-round pick in 2026.
The Bears seem to have won that transaction, even though it is officially unfinished.
According to Fowler, the price for the top overall pick in 2024 might be two first-round selections.