The Chicago Bears are in a precarious position with their No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While they’re still in line for a premier talent, their top targets may no longer be on the board when their pick arrives. However, those plans take a massive turn for the better if multiple quarterbacks were to go ahead of Chicago.
For each QB selected, another offensive or defensive star falls down the board. That makes it more likely that the Bears end up with at least one of their top prospects. With the Tennessee Titans seemingly locked in to Cam Ward, the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints seem like the most likely teams in the top-10 to go quarterback.
Well, at least the Saints were a part of that list. With a potentially severe injury to Derek Carr, New Orleans is in desperate need of a new quarterback. However, Field Yates of ESPN doesn’t think they’ll use their No. 9 overall pick on the position.
“There’s little chance Derek Carr’s shoulder injury was a surprise to the Saints, so I don’t expect it to dramatically change their stance at No. 9,” Yates said. “Ultimately, for New Orleans to take a quarterback that high, the decision-makers have to be in love with that prospect. I have not gotten the sense that the Saints are there with Sanders. But it’s important to remember very few parties are motivated to reveal their intentions before the draft, which makes it difficult to know what’s true.”
His colleague Matt Miller doubled down on New Orleans drafting outside the quarterback position.
“The Saints have clear deficiencies all over their roster, which is bloated with bad contracts. Reaching for a passer at No. 9 won’t change their outlook,” Miller wrote. “This is the same front office that drafted Spencer Rattler in the fifth round last year, and a source told me that they still like his ability and upside a lot. New coach Kellen Moore could change that dynamic, but this isn’t a team that’s a quarterback away, from a team-building standpoint.”
Why Saints, Panthers picks are crucial
The Carolina Panthers have already gone on record saying the franchise is open to trading down from their No. 8 slot. Between them and the Saints’ decision at No. 9, the Bears will be on the edge of their seat by the time they’re on the clock.
Carolina trading back could either be a tremendous opportunity for Chicago or an ultimate heartbreaker. If a team is moving up for a quarterback, then the Bears will likely land an elite player they covet. But with franchises knowing the Bears want players such as Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Warren, they can leapfrog the team. In that case, Chicago would be forced to scramble.
When it comes to the Saints, quarterback isn’t the only area of concern on their roster. As Kellen Moore steps in as head coach, he wants to craft the organization to his vision. So in a sense, they can draft from nearly every position available. That puts the Bears in a tricky spot, even with their ‘best player available mentality.’
Perhaps the Saints have a change of heart and decide that Shedeur Sanders is their quarterback of the future. Maybe the Panthers find their perfect prospect at No. 8 and stay put. But if either opposite scenarios happen, the Bears could be in trouble.
How Chicago Bears can pivot
Still, it’s not like Chicago would be truly out of luck. Even if they miss out on a player like Jeanty or Warren, there are plenty of talented players that will be available at No. 10. By filling numerous holes on their roster in free agency, the Bears aren’t forced to select from a singular position.
Targeting a left tackle such as Will Campbell or Armand Membou would make sense. Braxton Jones is a free agent at the end of the season and will enter training camp still recovering from his season-ending ankle injury. They could also choose to go defense, targeting guys like Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams or Mason Graham if he falls. Grady Jarrett will make a major difference on the Bears. But he is entering his age-32 season and 11th year in the NFL.
If none of the options truly appeal to Chicago, they could always move down themselves. They already have four picks inside the top 75. Adding more gives them an opportunity to stock the roster with an influx of young talent and fully build for the future.
Ultimately, how the board falls will play a major role in the Bears’ decisions. Barring a second quarterback going early and a player earlier deemed unattainable falling, Chicago is hoping their draft plans aren’t too fazed by the Saints and Panthers.
Insider pours gas on Chicago Bears draft trade down fire
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