Legendary NFL reporter Peter King went viral on Monday in his retirement announcement, seemingly dropping an insider knowledge on what the Chicago Bears are going to do with the no. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The expectations are the Bears would use the pick to select Caleb Williams out of USC, but King claimed that Chicago would trade the pick and instead keep Justin Fields to be their quarterback of the future.
Of course the claim made waves online and sparked plenty of discussions, especially since it seems shocking the Bears would do such bold move.
Will the Chicago Bears Trade the No. 1 Pick?
Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Nov 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws passes during pregame warmups before their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
For what it’s worth, in the same reporting, King clarified that he “knows nothing” and it’s just that it seems to be trending in that direction. Still, it didn’t stop people from taking the opinion as something legitimate and a decision that has been finalized.
Here’s what King wrote:
“I suppose the Bears are going to trade the top pick. I know nothing, but that seems to be the way the wind is blowing. What I say: The Bears could keep Justin Fields (and should), and trade the first pick down once or twice, and build the kind of supporting cast a team needs to contend.
“Suppose GM Ryan Poles traded the top pick down one spot to Washington (which would take Caleb Williams), and got the second pick, a second-round pick and a 2025 first-round pick in return. Then suppose Poles traded the second pick to Atlanta at eight, and the Falcons picked one of the other quarterbacks. In return, Chicago gets the eighth pick, Atlanta’s second-round pick, and first- and second-round picks next year.”
While it’s not the first time that someone has suggested for the Bears to trade the no. 1 pick, especially since it definitely makes some sense considering what Chicago can get from it, it’s a move that many find unacceptable.
The Bears have struggled in the last three years with Fields, so several fans believe a change is needed as they look to return to relevance. With Williams regarded as the consensus no. 1 pick, it appears to be a no-brainer to take the Trojans product and build around him.
Peter King Clarifies Chicago Bears Stance Further
Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams, NFL Draft
Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) scrambles during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
While Peter King already said in his column that he doesn’t know anything, the buzz it created prompted him to further provide clarity on the situation.
While speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, King emphasized: “I spoke to NOBODY. I haven’t talked to ANYBODY. I just read what’s out there.”
So there you have it. King was merely making his own speculations based on what he has seen and heard from around the NFL.
Besides, it’s still too early for the Bears to make a final decision, especially with the NFL Combine just getting started and Caleb Williams yet to have his Pro Day.
Sure enough, though, plenty of eyes will be on Chicago to see what they will do.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Nov 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) stretches during pregame warmups before their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
