The Bears' trade with the Panthers continues to look better and better

The Chicago Bears were given a huge gift by the Carolina Panthers in a blockbuster trade last offseason. Chicago traded the 2023 first overall pick to Carolina in exchange for a huge haul that turned into receiver DJ Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, punter Tory Taylor, and, most importantly, quarterback Caleb Williams.

This trade is also far from over. Part of the package was a second-round pick from the Panthers in the 2025 NFL draft. As of right now, it's fair to wonder if that could be the 33rd pick in the draft.

The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last season, which is why the Bears were able to select Williams first overall. Following their first two games of the season, they appear to be on a similar trajectory. In Week One, they were defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 47-10, and in Week Two they were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers 26-3. Being the worst team in the league is on the table for them once again. If that happens, this second-round pick that now belongs to the Bears will land at 33 (the first pick of the second round).

Getting the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 draft would be huge for the Bears. That's almost like having another first-round pick to look forward to. There are going to be a lot of great players available to kick off day two of the draft.

This selection would also have a ton of trade value if there is a move to be made around the draft for someone who can help them be a better football team. An upgrade on the offensive line, pass rusher, or another offensive weapon could be a reason to trade it. The Bears are firmly rooting for the Panthers to lose every game.

The Panthers used the first overall pick that Chicago gave them on quarterback Bryce Young, who has not lived up to the expectations placed on him as the number one pick. Truth be told, he's been awful and the Panthers do not look good for trading all of those assets to get him.

It makes it even worse when you look at who was selected right after Young. The Houston Texans took C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, and he's become a top quarterback in the NFL already. Right after that, they took Will Anderson Jr., who has been a stud pass rusher. Carolina missed out on both.

Now, things are even worse for the Panthers as they have benched Young in favor of Andy Dalton, who used to play for the Bears. Is Young's career in Carolina over? Only time will tell. If he was with the Bears right now, instead of Williams, it would be an even bigger disaster in town right now. Chicago dodged a big problem there.

This trade that the Bears made with Carolina in 2023 looks like the gift that keeps giving to Chicago. A lot of great players are coming from this deal, and they will make it over and over again.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: The Bears' trade with the Panthers continues to look better and better