At this point in the offseason, we don’t see many blockbuster deals, especially not ones completely out of nowhere with no rumors first. However, we just got a bomb dropped on us with the Chicago Bears trading away the 1.01 in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. There is a lot to talk about in this trade so let’s dive right in.
The Deal
Chicago Bears Trade Away:
2023 1.01
Carolina Panthers Trade Away:
2023 9 Overall
2023 61 Overall
2024 1st round
2025 2nd round
The Bears
The Chicago Bears won this trade. They already have a good QB in Justin Fields so they put the 1.01 on the block. They wait about a month and then get a massive deal done with Carolina. The Bears will still be able to get an elite prospect at nine overall. They received an extra second this year, then a first next year (which could be high again), another second, and lastly proven wide receiver, D.J. Moore. That is exactly how you trade down. I think this deal is great for Fields. He gets a very good WR, and his team gets more assets to help build a viable roster around him, which could include more offensive weapons.
I love this for Justin Fields, he is a top-six quarterback for me in dynasty. I do not like this for the Bears pass-catchers, including D.J. Moore. Moore comes from a team known for being down in games and not being afraid to throw the ball, great things for fantasy. And now finds himself on a team known for running the ball and grinding out close games. I think Moore will continue to be a WR2 but I do not think Chicago offers WR1 upside for him.
Moore then negatively affects the rest of the receivers because he is going to walk in and command a 25% target share. This cuts into the potential work that guys like Mooney, Kmet, and Claypool would have been looking for. As for the running backs, I think this helps them. The offense should score more points and defenses should have to respect the pass more, giving the backs more scoring opportunities and the ability to become more efficient. We do not know if David Montgomery will remain on this team, but if he doesn’t it is wheels up for Khalil Herbert.
The Panthers
The Panthers, unfortunately, lose this trade. If they take the right QB and they hit it lessens the blow and honestly makes it a pretty even trade. But, the fact the trade is so dependent on that one pick makes it so risky. Plus, the Panthers lost their best weapon last season in CMC and just traded their second-best weapon in this trade. So now they will get a rookie QB who is dealing with Chuba Hubbard, Terrace Marshall, Laviska Shenault, and Shi Smith as his best options. I am going to be worried about whichever QB lands here. The rest of the skill players are still un-startable most weeks and you should not be trading for the wide receiver that has the perception of taking the WR1 role. Carolina will address that position whether it is this year or next.
The Summary
Just in case you didn’t want to read what I wrote above and want the tl;dr, I have got you covered. Improved player value/production: Justin Fields, Chicago RBs, and Panthers offensive players (not enough to make me want them though). Net neutral player value/production: D.J. Moore and rookie QBs. Negative player value/production: Bears pass catchers and Sam Darnold. This trade is a great example of how to move down in the NFL draft and the Bears executed it beautifully. If the Panthers get a franchise QB this deal becomes worth it for them, I hope they do. That is all I have for now. Thank you for reading and good luck in your leagues.
Wow, you read all the way through! Thank you, I really appreciate you using your time to enjoy my content. If you would like to talk to me about my article or ask me any generic dynasty or trade questions. You can find me on Twitter @ChrisMiles1017, DFF Draft Director. Shoot me a DM, they are always open. Come join the #DFFArmy where I provide #Dynasty, #Redraft, and #Analytics content for @DFF_Dynasty. Thank you so much!
Did you enjoy this article and want more Dynasty, Devy, IDP, and Redraft content? Click here for a 12-month DFF Membership.
