In 2023, the Chicago Bears would have held the first overall pick in the draft but the Carolina Panthers wanted Bryce Young to be their quarterback. The Panthers wanted this badly enough that they were willing to trade away two picks in 2023, a first-rounder in 2024 (that ended up being the first overall pick) and a second-rounder in 2025. Oh, they also shipped D.J. Moore to the Windy City as well.
Well, early on, it looked like a terrible decision, as Young was really bad as a rookie and the Panthers went on to secure the top pick in the 2024 draft... only it wasn't their pick anymore. That pick belonged to the Bears, who then took Caleb Williams and the offseason hype that took place was through the roof.
As we've seen, the Bears did not turn the corner and become a playoff contender this year. After a 4-2 start to the 2024 season, Chicago has lost nine straight games and is 4-11 on the year.
You know who else is 4-11?
The Carolina Panthers, that's who.
Maybe the Bears didn't fleece the Panthers after all
We already touched on how the Bears landed Williams and Moore thanks to the trade with Carolina but who else did they end up with? Those draft picks that have been used so far were used on Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and Tory Taylor. Wright has started every game so far and has been the only bright spot on the o-line but Stevenson is a frustrating hot head (and responsible for the infamous Hail Mary against Washington). Taylor has been a solid punter as well.
Even with the draft picks mostly looking good so far, it hasn't translated to wins. Both the Bears and Panthers are 4-11 despite Chicago previously being praised as geniuses for this trade when it went down, especially with how poorly Young was playing earlier this season.
That's why Ryan Poles (assuming he holds onto his job this offseason) has to nail the head coaching hire. The Panthers have been able to see improvement with Young because they hired the right coach (and an offensive-minded one at that). The Bears need to follow suit and make sure they hire someone who can help Williams improve and take this Bears team to the next level.
Until the Bears can make it to the playoffs or Bryce Young falls off a cliff as it looked like he was early in his career, Poles and the Bears organization can't claim victory on this trade just yet.