CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: DJ Moore #2 and Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears celebrate a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

An intriguing blockbuster trade proposal has the Chicago Bears adding one of the game’s top offensive playmakers and four draft picks to help build around Justin Fields.

The Bears own the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft courtesy of the Carolina Panthers, who surrendered their 2024 first-rounder as part of the deal to move up and take Bryce Young first overall last year.

While most expect the Bears to trade Fields and use the No. 1 pick on Caleb Williams, some believe the Bears should keep the 2021 first-round pick and deal the top selection for additional assets.

Ali Bhanpuri of NFL.com proposed four different trade package ideas for the first overall pick. One of his ideas had the Bears trading the pick and standout RB Khalil Herbert to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for superstar RB Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 and No. 74 picks plus 2025 first and 2026 third-round picks:
“Modeled after Carolina’s climb to the top of the draft board last year, Atlanta would have to part with its best offensive weapon in this scenario, which could be a non-starter for GM Terry Fontenot. On the flip side, would Chicago be open to making a similar deal two years in a row?

The return would certainly be enticing for the Bears (imagine the read-option possibilities!), building on their biggest strength (Bijan would be a clear upgrade over Herbert, who’s valued here as the first pick in Round 6) while furnishing the franchise with additional resources to revamp the roster.

Acquiring Robinson and the four years of control remaining on his rookie contract (equal to 80% of his original 8th overall value) would also grant Chicago extended cap relief if Fields does reach his full potential and warrant a lucrative extension.”

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The Falcons might be hesitant to trade Robinson, whom they used the No. 8 pick on at last year’s draft. But trading for the No. 1 pick hasn’t been cheap, and this proposal from Bhanpuri certainly makes sense on both sides.

We should know of the Bears’ plans at QB before long. If they trade Fields, the time to do it is ASAP while his value is high. Waiting until the draft certainly isn’t an option if GM Ryan Poles wants the best possible return.