Browns, Giants updated trade plans give Chicago Bears new draft opportunity

There hasn’t been much movement in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft just yet. But as the event inches closer, even Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles says he is expecting a wild ride.

Holding the No. 10 overall pick, the Bears are in a precarious position. They’re still in line to land an elite player in the 2025 class, but many of the top options at their respective positions may be gone. Things will get even more chaotic if teams before Chicago’s selection start making trades.

That exact scenario has come to fruition, as both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are fielding trade offers for the No. 2 and No. 3 pick respectively, via Peter Schrager of ESPN. If a trade were to come to fruition, it is expected franchises are targeting Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter or Ashton Jeanty.

“Although the Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday that they are not entertaining offers for the first overall pick, sources told Schrager that the Browns, who have the second pick, and the Giants, who pick third, have received trade calls over the past 48 hours — and that neither team is outwardly rejecting those overtures,” the ESPN brief read.

Browns and Giants are fielding trade calls for picks No. 2 and No. 3, per ESPN’s @PSchrags:https://t.co/pV2XiIOxZF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2025

Chicago Bears trade up opportunity 

Who the Browns and Giants are having these trade conversations with have not yet been revealed. But perhaps the Bears are getting involved. Chicago has four picks inside the top 75, plenty of ammunition to move up the board.

The Bears’ interest in Jeanty has already been disclosed. It’s fair to wonder if the team would truly trade into the top five for him though. The 2025 running back class is deep, giving Chicago plenty of opportunities to find their next runner. They may be better off simply hoping Jeanty falls to No. 10.

Hunter and Carter however are two players the Bears were never expected to be involved with. Hunter is arguably the best player in the class, flashing elite traits on both offense and defense. In Chicago, he’d form an elite cornerback tandem with Jaylon Johnson while giving head coach Ben Johnson an intriguing piece to work with on offense.

Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and at one point was in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. Living up next to Montez Sweat would give the Bears one of the scariest pass rush units in the league. Add in Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett across the line, Chicago suddenly becomes a supremely fearsome unit.

The Bears will need to be cautious with their decisions and not get too overzealous in draft hype. However, there is no doubting any of Jeanty, Hunter or Carter would make Chicago a stronger football team.

Bears on edge of their seats

Now let’s say the Bears aren’t involved in discussions. If the Browns or Giants swing a trade with another team, it could either be a massive boon, or supremely devastating for Chicago.

Outside of Cam Ward, the quarterback class has gotten mixed reviews in 2025. However, players like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart have drawn plenty of buzz leading up to the draft. Maybe a team decides they must have their quarterback moving up into the top five to secure him.

In that case, the Bears war room is exploding with cheers. That means a player on their draft board will now be available. The more quarterbacks selected before No. 10 the better. Chicago is looking for the best player available at nearly every other position.

If a team is trading up for Jeanty, that would be a massive blow. Any non-quarterback really would hurt the Bears, as it would limit their options at No. 10. Teams right outside of the top 10 could jump in, forcing teams to be more aggressive with their selections. Essentially, the Bears must have a plan in place, but be prepared to pivot if prospects go to teams they weren’t expecting.

Things remain calm for now, but the Browns and Giants have a chance to blow up the entire 2025 NFL Draft. If/when that occurs, the Bears will have a new draft strategy to work with.