NFL rumors: Panthers could make trade up to No. 1 look unfathomably silly

The Carolina Panthers traded up to get the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears, but they could make things even more chaotic based on the latest reports.

The Chicago Bears shopped their No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to get a haul from an interested team in return. They got their wish, as the Carolina Panthers gave up slew of picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore for the No. 1 selection. The Panthers have an obvious need at quarterback, so one would imagine they have an idea as to which prospect they want to select.

According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick because it “gives them the most options,” and if they fall in love with multiple quarterbacks “they would consider trading back a spot or two.”

Panthers could trade No. 1 pick even after acquiring it

Joe Person of The Athletic tweeted out that head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer “have conviction on a couple of quarterbacks at the top,” and they could opt to trade down if they like more than one prospect.

That would create quite the chaos during the NFL Draft process. There are notable teams selecting in the Top 10 that need a quarterback. The Houston Texans hold the second-overall pick and need a signal caller. At No. 4 are the Indianapolis Colts, Houston’s division rival. Then there are the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 7 pick and have a void at quarterback after they released Derek Carr.

If the Panthers like more than one of Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis, and Florida’s Anthony Richardson, could they really opt to move down to get back some more picks?

Whatever happens, the Panthers’ phones are going to be busy leading up to the opening night of the NFL Draft.