If you’re a Carolina Panthers fans kicking it on “Team Tank,” then last Sunday’s result to close out the 2022 campaign wasn’t a great one. Their 10-7 win over the New Orleans Saints moved them to a 7-10 mark and helped cement them into the ninth overall spot in the 2023 NFL draft.
But, you did have some good news. After defeating the Indianapolis Colts in a 32-31 thriller, the Houston Texans gave the Chicago Bears a clear path to the first overall selection—something they gladly took.
And if the Bears are bought into their current starting quarterback in Justin Fields, that No. 1 pick may very well have itself a new owner.
This, of course, is fantastic news if you are hoping for the Panthers to make a leap towards one of the class’ top passing prizes in Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. Chicago is essentially in a rebuild mode, and need as many picks as possible to secure positions around Fields—so Carolina can come calling in a potential bidding war.
Although they’re not in a prime position to land a franchise quarterback as the order stands, the window has been opened. Given how aggressive both David Tepper and Scott Fitterer are under center, one would have to assume they’ll certainly be in on that deal.
But, the big question would loom—how much would it cost to really be in on that deal?
