Four teams that should trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears will head into the offseason holding the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year, thanks to last March's trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Chicago has the opportunity to land a potential franchise-changing prospect in USC signal-caller Caleb Williams, but considering QB Justin Fields' stellar play down the stretch, should they trade the first pick again? According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, league executives believe the Bears "could net more than [they] did in the Panthers trade, and from a prospective trade partner already picking in the top five." 

With that, here are four teams that should consider trading for the first overall pick in April's draft. 

Atlanta Falcons

Despite the concerns associated with giving HC Arthur Smith another talented prospect to under-utilize, Atlanta desperately needs a franchise quarterback. Based on Tankathon's projections, the Falcons are slated to select ninth overall in April's draft, meaning they could miss out on the top three quarterbacks in the class. Drafting an older passer, such as Washington's Michael Penix Jr., is an option, though he has less upside than Williams and Atlanta has to make a considerable amount of progress in 2024 for Smith to keep his job. 

Even with QBs Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke combining for 15 touchdown passes season – the sixth-fewest among NFL teams – the Falcons have still managed to win seven of their first 16 games. Six of their nine losses have also been decided by one score, suggesting the team might not be far off from becoming successful in the near future. By adding a player of Williams' caliber to a young offensive core featuring RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta could establish itself as a perennial NFC South contender as early as next season.

Minnesota Vikings 

Although it wouldn't be surprising if the Vikings re-signed impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins, it's difficult to imagine that they would give a long-term deal to a 35-year-old coming off a torn Achilles. Last offseason, Cousins sought a three-year extension with Minnesota and the team was unwilling to commit to him past the 2024 season, per Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. Bringing back Cousins on a one-year prove-it deal while drafting a quarterback to sit for next season seems like a beneficial move for all parties. 

Since it is projected to land the 12th pick in April's draft, Minnesota would likely have to give the Bears a substantially larger package than the Panthers, who were originally set to pick ninth last year. Even though Carolina surely regrets its decision, the Vikings probably wouldn't if they traded up. After all, they have a bright, offensive-minded head coach in Kevin O'Connell and an elite pass-catching corps headlined by Justin Jefferson, arguably the best wideout in the league.

New England Patriots 

After clinching their worst record since 1992, the Patriots could undergo several significant changes this offseason, which could include possibly parting ways with six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick. Even so, regardless of what happens next for the 71-year-old coach, the Patriots could use a fresh start at quarterback, especially considering that their offense ranks 32nd in points per game this season (14.6). 

Holding the third overall pick through the season's first 17 weeks, the Patriots wouldn't have to trade up if they were to secure it, but should if the team has a preference between Williams and UNC QB Drake Maye. However, if New England beats the New York Jets on Sunday, as it has done for 15 straight meetings, its pick could fall as low as fifth overall. In such a scenario, New England might not have a choice but to move up in a last-ditch effort to return to relevance.

New York Giants 

For the second consecutive offseason, the future of Giants QB Daniel Jones – whose season was cut short by neck and knee injuries – is in doubt. New York inked Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason after he guided the team on an unexpected playoff run only for the signal-caller to struggle mightily in six games this season. Nevertheless, given that backups Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito outperformed Jones this season, along with the fact that the team can cut ties with him after next season, perhaps GM Joe Schoen will seek out a replacement.

Out of every team included on this list, New York might be able to offer the strongest package. After sending DT Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks at the trade deadline, the Giants own 15 picks over the next two drafts, including three of the top 46 selections for this coming April. The only other teams with three 2024 selections in the first 50 picks are the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.