The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the expectation is for them to find their franchise quarterback. With the No. 1 pick, the expectation is for the Chicago Bears to draft Caleb Williams, the consensus top prospect in the draft. However, Bleacher Reports Alex Kay put together one trade package for each team picking in the top 10, sending Williams to the Commanders for Drake Maye, a 2024 third-round pick, and a 2025 first-round pick.
Kay’s proposal would be a rare trade where the Bears select Williams but send him to the Commanders.
“However, the Bears could opt for a rare prospect swap shortly after they’ve been drafted, much like the New York Giants and then-San Diego Chargers did in 2004. The Bolts shipped No. 1 overall pick Eli Manning to New York in exchange for No. 4 overall pick Philip Rivers, a third-rounder in that year’s draft and first- and fifth-rounders the following year.”
Ben Solak of The Ringer wrote on March 4 that the Bears could make that deal if they weren’t taking a quarterback due to the message it’d send the quarterback they draft.
“Here’s another wrinkle: One of those front office fellas told me the Bears could make that deal only if they weren’t taking a quarterback at no. 2, because moving back to take a franchise quarterback would send the wrong message to both that quarterback and the team. But could Chicago really say no to multiple extra picks—let’s say a future first and a future second—when it still gets to draft a franchise quarterback? That’s tough.”
Why the Commanders Would Make This Deal
The Washington Commanders making this deal would be due to them having an interest in drafting Williams.
Williams has spent time with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, which could allow them to get on the same page quicker than if the Commanders end up drafting someone else.
Kay writes that the Commanders should have no problem moving a third-round pick and a future first if they’re interested in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
“If Washington—a team that just brought in Kliff Kingsbury to run the offense after he spent a season at USC—is truly infatuated with Williams, it shouldn’t have many reservations about packaging a third-rounder in 2024 and a first-round pick next year to close the deal.
“Chicago would still end up with an elite prospect under center and bolster its limited pool of draft capital with a solid third-round selection. The Bears would also get to double-dip in Round 1 of the 2025 draft with what might be another top-10 pick.”
What Williams Would Bring to the Commanders
Williams had an impressive college career, putting up 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns with just five interceptions in his Heisman-winning season for USC. His ability to use his legs was on full display in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, rushing for a combined 21 touchdowns.
Mel Kiper of ESPN wrote on April 5 about his playmaking ability.
“Williams is a fabulous playmaker, and there are “wow” throws all over his tape, even going back to his freshman season at Oklahoma. He’s incredible escaping the pocket and making off-platform throws, excelling when plays break down. His improvisational skills are off the charts — it’s incredible how he can make the first defender miss and create first downs out of thin air.
“He has great field vision and throws dimes to receivers while under duress. He’s incredibly creative, which is not something we can usually say of quarterbacks.”
Having a quarterback who can make that “wow” play would be an exciting addition to the Washington Commanders, but the Chicago Bears have the final say on where he ends up.
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