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General manager Ryan Poles of the Bears has a decision to make about the No. 1 pick.
Imagine a Chicago Bears secondary featuring two All-Pro cornerbacks in Jaylon Johnson and Patrick Surtain II.
While it may be the longest of long shots, multiple NFL insiders say the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are considering attempting to trade for the No. 1 overall pick.
Both Cecil Lammey of DenverSports.com and Sportskeedia’s Tony Pauline have reported that the Broncos have interest in moving up to select a quarterback.
“There is a belief by many in the scouting community that Sean Payton has something cooking for the early portion of the #NFLDraft,” Lammey wrote, before subsequently posting the following: “The NFL thinks Payton is going to move up, no matter what. Don’t ask about compensation. Some think it won’t matter b/c SP won’t wait on QB. He wants his guy NOW.”
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell also put together a trade proposal he believes could convince the Bears to send the first pick to Denver: Surtain, pick No. 12 in the first round this year and 2025 second- and third-round picks.
“The Broncos are already missing years of draft capital and are down multiple picks in this draft, so they almost have to include players to move up from No. 12 to No. 1. The only player who would move the needle is star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who might seem like a luxury in a defense that plays as much zone as the Bears,” Barnwell wrote on February 1.
With Johnson coming off the best year of his career and due for a new contract, Barnwell admits paying two young corners top dollar may not be ideal. Still, he believes defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus may find this option incredibly attractive.
“Chicago might also not want to pay two cornerbacks as much as Surtain and Jaylon Johnson will combine to get on their next contracts, but if Eberflus wants to field the NFL’s best defense, getting a top-three cornerback isn’t going to hurt,” Barnwell added.
Reports the Broncos are desperate to move up are interesting, and if Denver were to offer a trade package Bears GM Ryan Poles couldn’t refuse, it’s a possibility — but a very slim one.
“Payton wants one of the top passers — Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. I spoke at length about this with several people,” Pauline wrote on January 31.
“I was able to confirm the Broncos are interested in moving up for their quarterback of the future yet such a move would come at an enormous cost and it’s very unlikely to happen,” Pauline added, also noting that any huge trade like this “would surely include cornerback Patrick Surtain. I’m told while the franchise doesn’t want to trade Surtain, they would consider moving the corner only as a last result to secure one of the top passers.”
TYRIQUE STEVENSON NAMED BEARS’ ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
In a stunning turn of events, Tyrique Stevenson has been named the Bears’ Rookie of the Year. Stevenson’s exceptional performance throughout the season has earned him this prestigious title. Let’s take a look at his remarkable season stats:
– 65 solo tackles (1st among rookies)
– 4 interceptions (1st among rookies)
– 16 pass breakups (T-1st among rookies)
– 2 forced fumbles (T-1st among rookies)
Stevenson’s incredible contributions on the field have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the team. His talent and skill have proven to be unmatched among his fellow rookies. The future looks incredibly bright for this young star.
AN INTRIGUING THOUGHT: ADDING SURTAIN TO THE BEARS
The idea of adding Surtain to the Bears’ roster is certainly captivating. Surtain, the ninth overall pick for Denver in 2021, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the league. He has never missed a game in his three-year career and was honored as a first-team All-Pro in 2022.
Throughout the past season, Surtain showcased his exceptional abilities, accumulating 69 tackles, 12 passes defensed, and an interception in 17 games. Widely regarded as one of the league’s top cover corners, Surtain would undoubtedly bring immense value to any team fortunate enough to have him.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE BEARS’ CURRENT CORNERBACK SITUATION
However, the Bears already boast a roster filled with promising young cornerbacks. Alongside Johnson, the team already has Tyrique Stevenson, who had a remarkable rookie campaign, and Kyler Gordon, who excelled in the slot during his second season.
Stevenson, despite facing some challenges, demonstrated significant improvements and an ability to make game-changing plays as the season progressed. His impressive performance included 86 total tackles (one for loss), two forced fumbles, 16 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. With three years remaining on his rookie deal, it would be highly unusual for Chicago to add another top cornerback who demands a hefty salary.
CONCLUSION: UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN
While the idea of adding a player of Surtain’s caliber is undoubtedly exciting, it appears highly unlikely that the Bears will seriously consider pursuing this opportunity. With the presence of talented young cornerbacks like Stevenson and Gordon, the team’s focus seems to be on nurturing their existing talent rather than seeking additional reinforcements.
Beth Mishler-Elmore
