The Chicago Bears haven’t made their decision yet with the #1 pick. Until they actually turn in the card this April, anything remains possible. Current projections have them staying put and taking their preferred quarterback. The only way that changes is if another team offers them what is deemed a “historic” haul for the selection. In essence a massive package of picks and other assets. There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams in the top 10 alone this year. Chicago is bound to get offers. Whether any of them are good enough is unknown.
Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum thinks the team to watch in this pursuit isn’t Washington, New England, Atlanta, or even Minnesota. It is the New York Giants. They’ve been trapped in QB purgatory with Daniel Jones for years, now regretting the massive contract extension they gave him last season. They hold the 6th overall pick. This might be their best chance to escape from that bear trap. However, they’d have to move up from that spot to get somebody they covet.
Tannenbaum revealed the likely package it would take to convince the Bears it was a worthwhile move.
Getting a future 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks is solid, but the centerpiece of that trade would be Kayvon Thibodeaux. The 23-year-old had a breakout second season for the Giants, racking up 11.5 sacks. He is that coveted second pass rusher the Bears would want across from Montez Sweat and has two cheap years left on his current rookie contract. It is an interesting offer. The question is whether this is enough to convince Poles to give up on a potential franchise quarterback he could get at #1 overall.
The simple answer is no.
Nothing about that offer is what you’d call historical. It is strong, but nothing special. The Herschel Walker trade was historical. The Ricky Williams trade was historical. This doesn’t come close to those. Tannenbaum will have to try harder if he wants to reach the territory that may convince the Chicago Bears to move. Everything points to them being fixated on taking a quarterback, be it Caleb Williams or somebody else. The great irony in all of this is Tannenbaum was the one who insisted the Bears move off Justin Fields when they picked #1 last year. Explain that one.
