A prominent path for Chicago is to move back into the first round, with the Arizona Cardinals viewed as a leading candidate to help facilitate a deal. The Cardinals’ quarterback need and Ty Simpson buzz have driven talk of a back‑channel exchange. A scenario outlined by Pete Martuneac would land the Bears pick 34 plus additional swaps in rounds three and four, yielding five selections between 33 and 89 overall.
The New York Jets are another potential partner to push back into the first round. While they did sign Geno Smith, they still pursue a signal‑caller of the future, and Simpson could fit that development path. In Martuneac’s framework, Chicago could acquire 33, 44, and possibly a later‑round swap, further strengthening its post‑top‑50 plan.
The New England Patriots offer a different flavor of a trade‑back option, backed by their abundant draft capital. Moving back six slots in the first round could allow Chicago to stay in the first while adding a second‑round pick, a balance that preserves an early selection and increases overall depth.
In the end, Chicago’s 2026 draft strategy remains fluid. The front office will weigh trading up, staying at 25, or trading back to maximize capital, all in pursuit of a roster built to compete next season. After already executing a notable move this offseason, the Bears are expected to explore all viable avenues.
