Mocking a Chicago Bears Trade Up: Examining 7 Trade Up Partners and the Cost

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a pivotal position to shape the future of their franchise. With the team holding the No. 1 overall pick, there’s a growing buzz surrounding the possibility of a trade up. Whether it’s for a coveted prospect or to secure a game-changing player, the Bears may look to move higher in the draft. But the question remains: which teams are potential trade-up partners, and what would it cost for the Bears to make such a move?

A trade-up scenario is always a gamble, but it can pay off handsomely for teams that need that one big piece to complete their roster. In the case of the Bears, after finishing with the worst record in the NFL, the opportunity to add an elite talent to their squad is invaluable. However, securing the right deal requires understanding the trade value and what each potential partner can bring to the table.

To assess the likelihood and cost of a trade up, let’s break down the top seven potential trade partners for the Bears and explore the ramifications of each move.

1. Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 Overall Pick)
   The Indianapolis Colts stand as one of the most logical trade partners for the Bears. With the Colts needing a quarterback, it’s possible they’ll want to move up to secure their future signal-caller. For the Bears, a move down to No. 4 could allow them to add more draft capital while still having access to a top-tier prospect. Indianapolis would likely need to offer their second-round pick, at the very least, to sweeten the deal. The Bears would also be looking for a third-round pick to make this trade worthwhile.

2. Arizona Cardinals (No. 3 Overall Pick)
   Arizona, sitting at No. 3, is in an interesting position. The Cardinals, much like the Bears, have their franchise quarterback in place and can afford to move down for additional draft assets. With plenty of teams interested in a quarterback, Arizona would be a prime candidate for a trade down. The Bears could offer their No. 1 overall pick, but in return, they’d likely need to offer a combination of future first-round picks or a second-round pick as well. The potential to land a top defensive player or a dynamic playmaker might justify the cost of the deal for Chicago.

3. Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7 Overall Pick)
   Las Vegas could be in the market for a quarterback or even a key offensive weapon to elevate their offense. Given that the Raiders are selecting No. 7, they’re outside the range for a potential franchise quarterback but still may want to move up. The Bears would likely need to drop down to No. 7, which would come with a hefty price tag. Las Vegas could offer a future first-round pick or a combination of high-value selections to entice the Bears to make the move. This would provide the Bears with additional assets while also keeping them in range to draft a top-tier talent.

4. Washington Commanders (No. 8 Overall Pick)
   Washington’s situation mirrors that of the Raiders, as they’re sitting outside the top-tier quarterback range at No. 8. However, if a player like Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter falls, the Commanders may want to jump up to No. 1 to secure their future. The cost of a move to No. 1 would likely involve multiple future picks, including a first-rounder in 2026. For the Bears, this would be a solid trade to acquire significant draft capital while still retaining their position to land an elite player in the first round. A move to No. 8 could provide the Bears with a quality edge rusher or offensive lineman.

5. Minnesota Vikings (No. 23 Overall Pick)
   Although less conventional, the Minnesota Vikings could be an unexpected trade partner for the Bears. Sitting at No. 23, the Vikings may want to leapfrog their NFC North rivals to secure a player they believe could change the course of their season. While the cost of moving from No. 1 to No. 23 would be steep, it’s possible Minnesota could offer multiple first-round picks in return. The Bears could leverage this opportunity to build for the future, adding more assets and still selecting a highly regarded player later in the first round.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19 Overall Pick)
   The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a new era without Tom Brady, and they could be eyeing a quarterback or a key player to improve their roster. While the No. 19 pick is far from the top of the draft, the Buccaneers may look to move up and strike for a player they feel could make an immediate impact. The cost for the Bears to drop from No. 1 to No. 19 would be significant, likely requiring Tampa Bay to include a second-round pick or a future first-rounder. For the Bears, this could be an enticing trade if they’re looking to acquire additional assets for a rebuilding process.

7. New York Jets (No. 13 Overall Pick)
   The New York Jets are in a win-now mode, with their recent acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, their team still needs more pieces to truly contend for a championship. The Jets could look to move up to No. 1 in order to secure an elite player such as an offensive lineman, defensive playmaker, or even a wide receiver to pair with their new quarterback. For the Bears, moving down to No. 13 would require a significant trade package, including multiple future picks. The potential for landing high-impact players in the first round makes this trade a worthwhile consideration for both teams.

The Cost of Trading Up

When analyzing the cost of these potential trade-up scenarios, it’s crucial to look at the trade charts, which help quantify the value of draft picks. The traditional chart assigns point values to each draft position, with the No. 1 overall pick being worth a premium. For the Bears, moving down to a pick like No. 4 or No. 7 would likely cost an additional first-round pick and potentially a second-round pick, depending on the partner.

In contrast, jumping from No. 1 to No. 13 or No. 19 would involve a more significant offer, likely multiple first-round selections over the next few years. For a team like the Jets, who are in a short window of contention with Rodgers at the helm, such a move could make sense if they believe that securing a future star player will push them over the top.

Why the Bears Might Consider Trading Up

From Chicago’s perspective, trading up may be the right call if the team believes that a particular player is essential to their rebuilding process. Whether it’s a franchise quarterback, a disruptive defensive lineman, or a dynamic wide receiver, the Bears need to add high-caliber talent to their roster. A trade-up would give them access to one of those rare players who can change the trajectory of the franchise.

Additionally, the Bears are in a unique position to use their high-value picks to extract future assets. With their first-round pick, and possibly the added draft capital from a trade, they can build a solid foundation for years to come. If they manage to strike the right balance between taking a franchise-altering player and securing additional future assets, the Bears could set themselves up for long-term success.

The Chicago Bears’ options for a trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft are abundant, with several potential partners offering different trade packages. Whether they move up to No. 4, No. 3, or even as far as No. 13 or No. 19, the cost of making such a move will be steep, but the reward could be worth it. For the Bears, it’s a matter of finding the right partner and the right deal that sets the franchise on a path to success. With so many teams eager to move up and grab their quarterback of the future or other key positions, the Bears must be savvy in negotiations to maximize their returns and continue their rebuilding process.