Insider Adam Hoge of the Chicago Bears explains why the Denver Broncos would find it difficult to acquire Justin Fields or Caleb Williams.
Within the next few months, the Chicago Bears are probably going to trade for a starting quarterback.
There are two possible formats for the trade:
They let go of Justin Fields, who was their 2021 first-round draft selection and starting player ever since.
They exchange the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is almost certainly going to go to Caleb Williams, the quarterback for USC.
Adam Hoge, a Bears insider for CHGO, believes it is unlikely that the Bears will hang onto both players.
He stated on the DNVR Broncos Podcast, “I think that locker room right now is too far in Justin Fields’ corner and it would really create a toxic situation for a rookie quarterback.” As soon as Justin struggles or the Bears technically start 0-3, as we all know will happen, the fans will start yelling for Caleb regardless. Pulling off the bandage is preferable, ideally prior to the draft.
Which quarterback will the Bears select, then?
If we’re going to discuss Vegas odds at this time, Hoge stated, “I think the overwhelming favorite has to be that the Bears will draft Caleb Williams.” “I don’t think the Bears front office has decided on anything yet. They are unaware of which teams
It’s possible that the Broncos are looking for a new starting quarterback. Although Russell Wilson has a contract, the Broncos would free up salary cap space if they let him go this offseason.
The Broncos and Bears might be the perfect trading partners as a result.
But according to Hoge, the fit isn’t ideal.
The Broncos would need to entice Chicago with a sizable package in order to obtain the top pick. Their maximum offer would likely consist of cornerback Pat Surtain II, first-round selections in 2025 and 2026, a third-round selection this year, and the 12th pick in the draft. (DNVR examined that possible trade bundle in this instance.)
Hoge stated, “I would say it’s tempting, but there’s a couple of problems in there.”
One issue is that Surtain is the Broncos’ best trade chip, but the Bears aren’t looking to acquire a cornerback.
He remarked, “They’re really deep there.” “They’re not old.”
All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, 24, is in charge of Chicago’s cornerback group. Kyler Gordon, 24, and Tyrique Stevenson, 23, have also established themselves as NFL starters.
Hoge remarked, “That’s not a knock on Surtain.” “That only applies to the Bears.”
The Bears may decide not to sign Johnson, a free agent this offseason, or they may decide to move one of their young cornerbacks. However, it’s simple to say that the fit isn’t ideal.
The Bears’ desire to fill the void left by not having a second-round pick is another issue. Neither do the Broncos have a second-round pick. That makes a possible deal harder to sell, but it doesn’t mean it’s doomed.
For Fields, this would be a more significant issue in a deal.
According to Hoge, “I think the current consensus seems to be that the Bears should be able to get a second-rounder for him.”
If the price is a second-round pick and the Broncos don’t have one, they’re starting from a difficult position. However, they could make other moves to acquire a second-round pick or package future picks to build a competitive offer.
In a similar vein, the Broncos could offer another player or picks, or they could move Surtain in a different deal to acquire assets.
However, the Broncos and Bears don’t seem like the best trading partners right now.
