If the Chicago Bears are selling, then the Carolina Panthers will probably be listening.
On Monday morning, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are “leaning toward” trading the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. He also noted that Chicago has already been approached by multiple teams regarding a potential deal for the top selection.
One of those teams could, or eventually can be Carolina—who remain on the prowl for an answer under center. With teams congregating over to Indianapolis, Ind. this week for the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the suddenly aggressive Panthers could have an opportunity to speak with the Bears about the pick.
The combine does, in fact, have a history of serving as the foundation for such a trade. Just to name a few—the New York Jets’ jump to the third overall pick in 2018 and the San Francisco 49ers’ jump to the third overall pick in 2021 were both announced just weeks after the combine took place.
So, this week could be the start of something special for Carolina.
