Could The Bears Trade The #1 Overall Pick For Justin Herbert?

As the NFL offseason looms on the horizon, trade speculations and rumors are already circulating, with one intriguing scenario capturing the attention of football enthusiasts: a potential trade between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers involving star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The hypothetical trade proposal raises a series of questions: Should the Bears consider trading just the first overall pick for Justin Herbert, or should they sweeten the deal with additional picks, including their second-round selection and possibly the Panthers’ first-round pick that the Bears own? Could such a trade provide the Bears with a reliable quarterback, finally securing a franchise signal-caller, while allowing the Chargers to embark on a reset with the acquisition of a future star quarterback in Caleb Williams?

The idea is not without merit, given the Bears’ quest for a surefire quarterback and the Chargers’ need to address significant salary cap challenges. However, despite the potential benefits for both teams, several factors make this trade scenario unlikely.

First and foremost, the Chargers find themselves in a precarious financial situation, being $34.6 million over the cap for the upcoming 2024 season. Trading Justin Herbert would exacerbate this issue, leaving them a staggering $123.7 million over the cap, making it an impractical move from a financial standpoint alone.

Additionally, the Chargers’ franchise quarterback, at just 25 years old, is under contract until 2030 and possesses a full no-trade clause. This contractual arrangement, combined with Herbert’s young age and undeniable talent, makes him a cornerstone for the Chargers, rendering any notion of trading him practically unthinkable.

Moreover, the majority of Herbert’s theoretical cap hit stems from bonus money that the Chargers have already paid, providing limited room for restructuring. The team’s approach to managing the cap hit involves retaining Herbert and spreading the financial burden over the years he continues to play for them.

While there may be arguments regarding the value of Caleb Williams on a rookie contract compared to Herbert on his existing deal, the inherent risks associated with such a move make it a daring proposition for the Chargers. Investing in a young quarterback involves potential pitfalls, and a miscalculation could prove detrimental.

In essence, the proposed trade scenario seems implausible, as Justin Herbert stands as a rock-solid franchise quarterback, deemed 100% untradeable. His prime years likely lie ahead, offering the Chargers a decade of excellence. The trade would demand a return that surpasses Herbert’s current and future value, a challenge that appears insurmountable.

While the Bears may be further along in their development, especially with a solid defense, and the Chargers face some challenges with aging offensive weapons, the significant obstacles involved in trading Herbert suggest that both teams are better served pursuing alternate paths in the forthcoming offseason.

The idea of a full reset for the Chargers, while intriguing, remains a complex and unlikely proposition given the unique circumstances surrounding Justin Herbert’s pivotal role in their future plans.

What do you think? Should the Bears make LA an offer they cannot refuse?