The Chicago Bears have traded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for star wide receiver D.J. Moore and a massive package of draft capital, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
In addition to Moore, the Bears will receive the No. 9 overall pick and the No. 61 overall pick in the 2023 draft, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. The blockbuster move provides Bears quarterback Justin Fields with a legitimate WR1 while allowing the Panthers to move up and select their preferred quarterback with the top selection.
Moore, 25, has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL since entering the league, posting three consecutive seasons with over 1,100 receiving yards from 2019 to 2021. He finished the 2022 season with 888 yards and seven touchdowns. By securing Moore, the Bears front office has successfully surrounded Fields with a proven playmaker while still maintaining a top-10 pick in this year's draft.
This marks the first time since 2016 that the No. 1 overall pick has been traded prior to the draft. For Carolina, the move signals a total commitment to finding a franchise signal-caller under new head coach Frank Reich. For Chicago, general manager Ryan Poles has turned a single asset into a veteran star and four high-value draft picks.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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