Just five days after the NFL combine, the 2023 NFL Draft got its first major shakeup. The Carolina Panthers, who missed on high-profile quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson the last two years, decided it was time to be in a position to select their future franchise signal caller.
As usual, the cost to move up to the first-overall pick is not cheap. But the Chicago Bears believe they already have their franchise QB on the roster in Justin Fields. This trade netted them premium draft picks in each of the next two drafts and a very good wide receiver in D.J. Moore.
From a fantasy perspective the Panthers are basically a blank slate. We are not sure which QB they will select or what receivers he will be throwing to. (They are probably are not on the roster yet.) Although, whichever QB they take is most likely to be an upgrade over the trio of Sam Darnold, Phillip Walker, and Baker Mayfield. (At least you would really hope so after trading away your only good WR, and likely your top-five selection in 2024.)
For a closer look at the Bears’ side of the trade, we dive into the RotoViz toolbox. Is Fields the key to unlocking this long-time RotoViz favorite?