The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears will be linked as trade partners for the next few months, but not in the way most people expect.
The Falcons are undoubtedly in the quarterback market this offseason, with some players worth selecting and others worth acquiring through trade… but none may have a better ceiling than projected No. 1 overall choice Caleb Williams.
Williams is regarded as the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, and with the Bears holding the first choice for the second year in a row, they may attempt to wheel and deal, like they did last year.
A year ago, the Carolina Panthers traded up from No. 9 to No. 1 to choose Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, but the results were not as expected. Carolina had to surrender their first-round pick for this year’s draft, which is why the Bears are ranked first again.
However, the Washington Commanders, who pick at No. 2, are the primary reason why the Falcons must trade all the way up to No. 1 in order to acquire Williams.
The Commanders, like the Falcons, have a new coaching staff. Dan Quinn, a former Falcons coach, has taken over as head coach, and he has hired Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator.
Kingsbury coached the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 22 and worked last year as an offensive analyst for the USC Trojans, where Williams played.
The Kingsbury hire does not guarantee that the Commanders will pick Williams if he is available at No. 2, but it does imply that it is a possibility.
That is why, if the Falcons truly want Williams, they must put all their chips in and aim for No. 1.
Leave a Reply