Scouting Which GM Most Likely Trades For Chicago Bears’ #1 Pick

There are so many variables that go into a big 1st round trade. Everybody wants the Chicago Bears to deal the #1 overall pick for a big package. Yet, for that to happen, they need several things to fall into place. The right quarterback must make the right impression on the right team. That team must fear another team will land said quarterback if they don’t move up. Finally, the Bears will need the GM on the other line to have an aggressive enough mindset to pull the trigger.

That last part can’t be understated. People often underestimate how critical the personality of the other general manager is to pull off a blockbuster trade. If a guy is too conservative by nature, then expecting him to change feels futile. It would be better for the Bears if Ryan Poles found somebody with a more attacking mindset. That is what this article is about.

We will pinpoint every GM from the teams that could conceivably trade up to #1 and determine by their background whether they’re likely to make a deal or not.

Here are the notable GMs the Chicago Bears must deal with.

Nick Caserio (Houston Texans)

Before taking over the Texans in 2021, Caserio had spent 12 years as the right-hand man of Bill Belichick in the New England Patriots’ front office. Over that period, the franchise made 11 trades involving 1st round picks. Only two of them were to move up the board. The rest were moves down or for a player. That trend continued in Houston as GM when he traded down from #13 to #15 with Philadelphia in the 2022 draft. The crucial part of this discussion is the small gap he’d have to clear. The cost wouldn’t be as prohibitive, so maybe that convinces him it’s worth it.

Aggressiveness rating: D

Chris Ballard (Indianapolis Colts)

The former Bears scout has run the shown in Indianapolis since 2017. In that time, he’s made four trades involving his 1st round pick. Two were for proven players, and the other two were moves down. He has never traded up. He has a reputation for being particularly stingy with his picks. Maybe the added pressure from owner Jim Irsay convinces him to change his approach. However, the track record says Ballard will resist jumping to #1 unless the QB he wants is almost sure to end up in Houston otherwise.

Aggressiveness rating: D

Dave Ziegler (Las Vegas Raiders)

One of the first moves Ziegler made as GM in Las Vegas was trading for Davante Adams from Green Bay. It was a blockbuster deal. That offered at least some indication that the man doesn’t fear making the bold move. The fact Adams had an outstanding 2022 season might even embolden him further. The Raiders’ situation comes down to what happens on the veteran QB market. If they fail to land Aaron Rodgers or Jimmy Garoppolo, they will have no choice but to seek help in the draft. Not great since they’re picking 7th.

Aggressiveness rating: B

Terry Fontenot (Atlanta Falcons)

The epitome of bland. Fontenot hasn’t done anything of note in the 1st round through two off-seasons other than go on the block and make his pick. He’s made a few minor trades in the 2nd round but has yet to engineer anything approaching a bold move. That could change now that his need for a quarterback is obvious. Still, the man’s personality hasn’t offered signs that he is the type. Maybe the arrival of Ryan Pace could change that. Nobody loved trading up more than the former Chicago Bears GM.

Aggressiveness rating: D

Scott Fitterer (Carolina Panthers)

Something about the NFC South seems to attract boring GMs. Like Fontenot, Fitterer has yet to make any trade in the 1st round. That said, no GM on this list has been more active on the trade market over the past two seasons. In total, he has made 20 trades. That speaks to a man that loves to wheel and deal. After two big failed swings on the veteran market at QB, Fitterer is under lots of pressure to get it right on the third try. Having an overbearing owner in David Tepper adds to that mix. This might be his best chance to go get the guy he wants.

Aggressiveness rating: B

Ran Carthon (Tennessee Titans)

This one is a complete wild card. Carthon only became the GM of the Titans last month. He hasn’t made any decisions of consequence on the roster yet. So we can only go by his background. This should give Bears fans some hope. He worked primarily with Les Snead and John Lynch. Both men were instrumental in two of the most aggressive 1st round trades of the past decade. Snead traded up from #15 to #1 in 2016 for Jared Goff. Lynch traded up from #12 to #3 for Trey Lance in 2021. Carthon has seen how the bold moves are put together. Tennessee badly needs a quarterback in the loaded AFC. Don’t count him out despite sitting at #11.

Aggressiveness rating: B*