In a major move, the Panthers decide to move up eight spots in the 2023 NFL Draft in a trade with the Bears. Chicago now signals that they are going to build around Justin Fields while the Panthers indicate that they are planning to take a QB in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Who are the winners and losers of this major trade?
Winners and losers of the Panthers-Bears NFL Draft trade
Winner: Ryan Poles
Ryan Poles is a big winner of this trade. He gets two first rounders, two second rounds, and wide receiver DJ Moore in the deal, and all he had to do was move down eight spots. That might sound like a ton, but that still puts the Bears in line to take a top wide receiver or top offensive line prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Loser: All of the Panthers QBs
If there was any hope that the Panthers could have gone forward with Sam Darnold or even give Matt Corrall a chance, well, those hopes are gone. This move puts Carolina prime position to take Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, or another QB that they deem worthy of the top pick in the NFL Draft.
Winner: Justin Fields
Justin Fields is a huge winner here. He gets a stud wide receiver in DJ Moore, and will likely get another weapon or elite OL piece when the Bears pick eighth overall. GM Ryan Poles is truly giving him a chance here and is making solid moves to do so.
Loser: Scott Fitterer
Even though the Panthers are doing the right thing in trading up for a QB, they did give away a ton of capital to do so, and they also parted with their best offensive player in DJ Moore, who has over 5,000 receiving yards in five seasons in the NFL.
Not only do the Panthers have to hope that the QB they pick is the right one, but they also must find a WR1 again as Moore is headed to Chicago.